NRL 2024: Adam Reynolds addresses training injury, Reece Walsh and Payne Haas visa issues

Adam Reynolds sent a scare through Red Hill when he hobbled from the field at training. The Broncos captain reveals what injury he sustained during the training mishap.

Adam Reynold's suffered an ankle strain at training.

Broncos captain Adam Reynolds has declared he will be fit for Las Vegas and expects Brisbane stars Reece Walsh and Payne Haas to be with him on the flight to America.

Reynolds has returned to the training paddock on Tuesday after sending a scare through Red Hill on Monday when he limped from the field.

Reynolds looked to be in severe pain as he was assisted from the field, but scans later revealed only a minor foot injury.

He ran at Twin Waters on the Sunshine Coast on Tuesday, where the Broncos are in camp, but admitted he pulled up sore after the session.

Regardless, Reynolds is confident the minor injury won’t derail his pre-season given he was going to be rested by coach Kevin Walters from Brisbane’s sole trial before heading to the US on February 22.

“It’s all good, I just wanted to get out of the heat,” Reynolds said with a laugh when asked about his injury on Wednesday.

Adam Reynolds is confident he will be fit for round 1. Picture: Lachie Millard

“It’s a sprain of the ligament or something. It’s not too serious.

“I did a bit of running (on Tuesday) and pulled up a little bit sore.

“There’s no doubt I’ll be back out there tomorrow (Thursday) and see how it feels. Hopefully I progress and train with the team on Friday or early next week.

“It’s just about trying to get the swelling out of it. Other than that, it’s all good.

“The plan wasn’t to (play trials), but if ‘Kevvie’ needs me to I’m more than happy to.

“We’ve got a number of great young players in this squad pushing for a first grade spot so it’ll be a great opportunity for them as well.”

The Broncos play a trial against the Cowboys in Mackay on February 18 before the top team departs for Los Angeles, where they will be based in the lead-up to the Vegas season-opener on March 3 (AEST).

The NRL is working overtime to finalise plans for the Sin City expedition and part of that is obtaining visas for the 100-odd players entering the US.

While most will travel on quick-issue ESTA visas, those that have been involved in police or criminal incidents may have to lodge different applications.

Among those is Walsh, who pleaded guilty to cocaine possession in 2021, and Haas, who pleaded guilty to intimidating police the same year.

Payne Haas and Reece Walsh may have to go through a more rigorous visa process. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen/Courier Mail

Neither player had convictions recorded, but the US visa system means they may have to go through a more in-depth process to obtain approval.

“Extremely confident,” Reynolds said when asked if Walsh and Haas would be cleared to travel.

“The NRL’s done a great job and no doubt they’ll be working extremely hard in the background to make sure all that side of things is ticked off and looking good for those blokes to get over there.

“I can’t control any of that but they’re in good hands.

“I’m genuinely excited to get over there. We had Billy Walters go over and represent us (on a promotional tour last month).

“Talking to him, it was all positive feedback from everyone he was interacting with over there. They’re right behind it.

“It’s going to be a great atmosphere for us and it’d be good to see a packed out stadium.”

HOW THE INJURY SCARE UNFOLDED

- Peter Badel, Fatima Kdouh and Pamela Whaley

Champion Broncos skipper Adam Reynolds has been cleared of serious injury after being involved in a freak training mishap in the build-up to Brisbane’s NRL premiership kick-off in Las Vegas.

The Broncos suffered a major scare on Monday when Reynolds was assisted from the paddock by medicos after appearing to twist his ankle amid Brisbane’s scorching 36 degree heat at Red Hill.

The worrying sight of Reynolds hopping in pain, and hobbling off for treatment, triggered fears Brisbane’s talismanic playmaker could be rubbed out of the trials or, worse, their historic NRL premiership trip to Sin City.

The Broncos skipper was immediately sent for scans, just six weeks out from Brisbane’s round one premiership opener against the Roosters in America.

Results of scans showed Reynolds sustained only a minor ankle sprain, with the veteran No.7 expected to resume training later this week or early next week.

“Adam picked up the injury in a drill towards the end of today’s session. He had a scan this afternoon at the Qscan Clive Berghofer facility which showed a foot muscle strain,” Broncos head of performance Dave Ballard said.

“We’ll see how Adam pulls up over the next 24 hours but he is a quick healer and we expect him to be back running in the coming days.”

The development will come as a major relief for Broncos coach Kevin Walters, who cannot afford to have Reynolds sidelined for an extended period as Brisbane look to snap their 18-year title drought this season.

With treatment in the coming days, Reynolds will be available for selection for Brisbane’s upcoming trials next month.

The Broncos will launch their 2024 pre-season challenge with a trial against the Cowboys on Sunday, February 18 in Mackay, before taking on the Sea Eagles at Brookvale six days later on Saturday, February 24.

The 33-year-old has endured two turbulent pre-seasons since joining the Broncos from South Sydney.

Reynolds missed the premiership opener in 2022 due to lower leg soreness and a bout of Covid, while he was placed in cotton wool for the entire pre-season last year.

Adam Reynolds is worked on by a trainer. Picture: Steve Pohlner

Adam Reynolds was monitored closely. Picture: Steve Pohlner

The champion halfback sat out Brisbane’s 2023 trial against the Titans and after being named to face the Cowboys the following week, Reynolds was a late scratching after injuring his lower back in the lead-up to the derby clash.

Reynolds is determined for a bumper season in 2024 after the heartbreak of Brisbane’s grand final implosion last year.

The 274-game stalwart had a sensational 2023 campaign but came under fire after a disappointing display in Brisbane’s heartbreaking last-minute loss to the Panthers in the NRL decider.

Reynolds is off-contract at season’s end, but his management is currently in talks with Brisbane bosses to extend his stint in Broncos colours until the end of 2025.

Despite the latest setback, Reynolds, who turns 34 in July, is adamant his body is not in danger of breaking down and can survive at least another two full seasons as he chases a premiership ring at Red Hill.

Originally published as NRL 2024: Adam Reynolds addresses training injury, Reece Walsh and Payne Haas visa issues