Brisbane Broncos rest Adam Reynolds for Pre-season Challenge fixture, Billy Walters named in halves
Brisbane coach Michael Maguire has rested Adam Reynolds for the club’s opening Pre-season Challenge fixture, leaving the Broncos to field a makeshift halves pairing. SEE THE TEAMS
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Broncos skipper Adam Reynolds could be put on ice for the pre-season with Billy Walters answering a scrumbase SOS for Brisbane’s derby trial clash with the Titans.
Brisbane coach Michael Maguire is taking a cautious approach with his No.1 playmaker Reynolds, who has been rested for Sunday’s NRL Pre-Season Challenge against the Gold Coast in Toowoomba.
The champion halfback underwent off-season neck surgery and will begin ramping-up his preparations this week when he starts contact work at Broncos training.
But Maguire is wary of exposing Reynolds to high-octane collisions too soon, with the 34-year-old to sit out this week’s clash against the Titans in what represents Brisbane’s first major pre-season hitout.
Reynolds is a chance of playing in Brisbane’s final trial against the Bulldogs on Saturday week but Maguire will take no risks to ensure his best shot-caller is on deck for their premiership opener against the Roosters on March 6.
The news on Reynolds comes as Brisbane roll out some of their NRL regulars this Sunday, with Walters, Toowoomba-born Tyson Smoothy and Kobe Hetherington all named in the starting line-up.
In the absence of Reynolds, hooker utility Walters will start at five-eighth alongside halfback Jock Madden, opening the door for Smoothy to wear the hotly-contested No.9 jumper.
Toowoomba product Cory Paix was hopeful of playing before his home crowd, but the fellow rake was overlooked for selection after suffering a minor calf strain.
There are fears Reynolds is breaking down after an injury-ravaged 2024 campaign in which he suffered a torn bicep and battled pectoral damage, but Maguire rubbished suggestions the off-contract No.7 is a weekly risk following neck surgery.
“Reyno is good,” Maguire said.
“He isn’t doing full contact but he has been doing a lot of work away from the group on his body and fitness.
“He has been around watching training and giving feedback and that’s the reason he is captain of this club.”
In other key selection news, Hetherington has been named at lock, giving the hard-hitting forward a golden audition to stake his claim for the No.13 jumper worn by Pat Carrigan, who could shift to prop this season.
Meanwhile, Jack Gosiewski will start in the back row with Brendan Piakura, reward for an impressive pre-season that has put the former Cowboys forward in the selection frame for round 1.
Maguire hopes Reynolds plays every game this season but is open to resting the skipper during the premiership depending on Brisbane’s scrumbase options.
Grand final pivot Ezra Mam isn’t available until round 10 due to a nine-game suspension, while the off-season signing of Ben Hunt gives Brisbane’s flexibility in their spine.
Reynolds, who turns 35 in July, is within 13 games of the decorated 300-game mark and Maguire is confident his most important playmaker can withstand the rigours of his 14th NRL season.
“Reyno is really healthy which is pleasing,” Maguire said.
“He had some bumps and bruises through (last) year, but he has worked really hard on his body.
“I am happy with where he is at.
“He was told a long time ago he wouldn’t be able to play week in, week out, but Reyno has definitely showed his toughness.
“There’s no reason he can’t get through this season in good shape if he does the work, which he is doing.
“He is such a tough warrior. As I learned at Souths, when Reyno is up and about, he gets the team buzzing.
“If we get his body right, he can have a big year for us. I know he can withstand the weekly grind.”
BRISBANE BRONCOS V GOLD COAST TITANS
Sunday February 16 2025, 3:30pm (2:30pm local)
Toowoomba Sports Ground, Toowoomba / Giabal
Brisbane Broncos
1. Hayze Perham 2. Josiah Karapani 3. Gehamat Shibasaki 4. Delouise Hoeter 5. Deine Mariner 6. Billy Walters 7. Jock Madden 8. Corey Jensen 9. Tyson Smoothy 10. Benjamin Te Kura 11. Jack Gosiewski 12. Brendan Piakura 13. Kobe Hetherington 14. Latrell Siegwalt 15. Ronald Philitoga 16. Israel Leota 17. Coby Black 18. Joshua Rogers 19. Saxon Innes 20. Martin Taupau 21. Vaa Semu 22. Cameron Bukowski 23. Jett Bryce 24. Matthew Koellner 25. Tristan Powell 26. Jaiyden Hunt 27. Luke Gale 28. Josh Coric
Gold Coast Titans
1. Jaylan De Groot 2. Allan Fitzgibbon 3. Jojo Fifita 4. Phillip Sami 5. Tony Francis 6. AJ Brimson 7. Kieran Foran 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Jaimin Jolliffe 11. David Fifita 12. Beau Fermor 13. Chris Randall 14. Thomas Weaver 15. Klese Haas 16. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui 17. Josiah Pahulu 18. Zane Harrison 19. Arama Hau 20. Tukimihia Simpkins 21. Ken Maumalo 22. Ryder Williams 23. Brock Gray 24. Sam Stephenson
More Coverage
Originally published as Brisbane Broncos rest Adam Reynolds for Pre-season Challenge fixture, Billy Walters named in halves
NRL trial teams: Luai benched, Hasler unleashes schoolboy sensation
Wests Tigers fans will be forced to wait another week to see Jarome Luai in action, while Des Hasler will play a highly-rated teen halfback for the Titans as the Pre-season Challenge continues. FULL TEAMS
O’Donnell to make club debut as Cowboys name first team of 2025
Cowboys fans will get their first look at backrower Kai O’Donnell on Friday with the North Queensland junior set to make his club debut in the trial match against the Dolphins. Read what he had to say and see the full team.