‘That was a little potshot’: Reynolds hits back at Demetriou over Rabbitohs No. 7 sledge

Broncos halfback Adam Reynolds has responded to a “potshot” taken at him by Rabbitohs coach Jason Demetriou.

Adam Reynolds of the Broncos in action during the round 22 NRL match between Brisbane Broncos and Sydney Roosters at The Gabba on July 27, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)

Broncos halfback Adam Reynolds has responded to a “potshot” taken at him by Rabbitohs coach Jason Demetriou.

Reynolds famously led South Sydney to a drought-breaking premiership in 2014 and also helped guide the club to seven preliminary finals before he was unceremoniously dumped in 2021.

Souths refused to offer the veteran No. 7 anything beyond a 12-month contract, which saw Brisbane sign him on a three-year deal.

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The signing has proved a masterstroke with Reynolds making the Broncos serious premiership contenders against just three seasons after they collected the wooden spoon in 2020.

After Reynolds departed Redfern the club invested in young halfback Lachlan Ilias, who has been solid in his 48 NRL games but remains a work in progress.

That’s why eyebrows were raised last week when Rabbitohs coach Jason Demetriou declared Ilias is “going to be the best halfback the club has had in a long time”.

Reynolds, 33, read the comments and then used a classic Wayne Bennett line in a not-so-subtle sledge of Demetriou.

“That was a little potshot. I know he’s just sticking up for the halfback he’s got now and trying to give him a bit of confidence,” Reynolds told the SMH.

“Whether he means it or not, I’m not too sure. One of the best coaches in the game, Wayne Bennett, told me if you start listening to the fans, you’ll end up sitting with them. I’m not sure whether he’s been influenced by noise from the fans.

Adam Reynolds of the Broncos. Getty

“He’s sticking up for his halfback. I admire Lachie as a player, he’s young and still learning his trade. I’ve always said it’s unfair to compare Lachie to what I did – it was a different era and a different team.

“I’m not too worried about his opinion. It’s his opinion. I’m sure others might see it differently. All I know is I’m excited about where my journey is going with the Broncos.”

The Broncos host the Eels in Brisbane on Friday night and victory will almost certainly secure a top-two finish and a home qualifying final.

Reynolds is racing the clock to overcome a groin injury after he was scratched following the captain’s run in Townsville last week.

“I felt a little pull in the groin area when warming up at training last week, it was sore at the time, I finished the session, but once we flew to Townsville, I tried to sprint but couldn’t without any pain,” Reynolds said.

“We’ve got the bye next week, and initially there was talk about missing this game, but I was keen to get out and play. We’re heading in the right direction, and we get another chance to work on combinations and what’s been working well for us the past few weeks.”

Originally published as ‘That was a little potshot’: Reynolds hits back at Demetriou over Rabbitohs No. 7 sledge