Brisbane coach says Adam Reynolds should be called up for NSW

He’s 32 and last played State of Origin seven years ago, but a former NSW playmaker deserves a recall according to his coach.

Broncos captain Adam Reynolds is pushing for a NSW recall. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Veteran halfback Adam Reynolds is the “perfect” choice to replace Nathan Cleary for NSW in a must-win game 2 of the State of Origin series according to his club coach Kevin Walters.

Cleary is out for the rest of the series due to a hamstring injury suffered playing for Penrith last weekend and debate is raging as to who should take his spot for the Blues who have to win in Brisbane to keep the series alive.

Reynolds, the Brisbane Broncos captain, has only ever played twice for NSW, in the opening two matches of the 2016 series, when he was at South Sydney.

With a selection call from NSW coach Brad Fittler looming, Reynolds is in a battle with Cronulla’s Nicho Hynes, who came off the bench in game 1, and Parramatta’s Mitchell Moses for the starting halfback role

Adam Reynolds deserves a NSW recall, his club coach says. Picture: NRL Photos

But seven years after he last wore a NSW jersey, and now aged 32, Reynolds has been lauded by Walters, who played 20 times for the Queensland and also coached the Maroons to series wins in 2016 and 2017, as the man for the occasion with his kicking, and experience, weapons others don’t have.

“It is not just his kicking. His running game has been the best it has been … and he has got that experience,” Walters said.

“I heard (former NSW coach) Phil Gould mention about not taking rookies to Suncorp for game 2. Adam has played in Origin before, big games at Suncorp, a grand final (in 2021) and of course regularly here with the Broncos. It makes a lot of sense.

“To get that opportunity would mean a lot to him, but I think he is the right guy for the job. We don‘t make the calls. That’s Freddy (Fittler), but he’d be great in that environment.”

Reynolds is playing as well as ever. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

Given the match is being played at Reynolds’ home ground at Suncorp Stadium, Walters said the veteran playmaker would not be fazed by the atmosphere.

“Not at all. He is perfect for the role,” Walters said.

“They have got choices there with Nicho Hynes, Moses and Cody Walker could be in contention … but if they did go with Adam, it would be a good option to take.”

Gould, speaking on the Nine Network’s 100% Footy program, said he would choose Moses.

“He has speed, a great kicking game, a long kicking game and a short kicking game,” Gould said.

“His long kicking game will be invaluable in Origin, and he creates points.”

Reynolds will get his chance to push his claims when the Broncos play Newcastle in Brisbane on Saturday night.