South Sydney skipper Adam Reynolds is “disappointed” with the club’s plans to offer him just a one-year extension and has come to the heart-breaking realisation he may not be at Redfern beyond this year.
Less than an hour after Latrell Mitchell confirmed he would be sticking around for a further two seasons at the club, Reynolds told the Herald he was nowhere near close to signing off on his own future.
A premiership-winning halfback with one of the most lethal right boots in the game, Reynolds, 30, would love to play on another three or four years, and can not recall feeling better - physically and mentally - this far out from the season proper.
“We’ve started discussions, but we’re not on the same page - we’re pretty far apart in terms of what we’re thinking,” Reynolds said. “There’s a chance we won’t get on the same page.
“I’ve made it clear I want to play here the rest of my career. I only want to sign the one contract or two contracts, max, and get it over and done with with. We’re not there at the moment.
“We haven’t even talked dollars. I’d like three or four years, but they only want the one at the moment. They’ve got their reasons.
Adam Reynolds has no interest in a one-year extension from Souths. Credit: Getty
“It’s disappointing if I’m being honest. I love the club, I love the opportunity they’ve given me and I’m grateful for everything they’ve done for me.
“But for me I want the security, I’ve got four kids, I still feel I’ve got a lot of good footy left in me. One year doesn’t suit me much at the moment.″
Reynolds suffered a hamstring twinge last month but will line up in Saturday’s Charity Shield against St George Illawarra. He often gets frustrated with the suggestion he is injury-prone, and pointed out he had averaged around 23 games each year since he debuted in 2012.
“Anyone who has played more than 200 games over that time, it’s a pretty good feat,” Reynolds said. “This is the best I’ve felt in a long time, I’m moving around better, I’m fitter, mentally I’m better. I truly believe I’m in the best space I’ve been in in a long time.”
Make that two more years ... Latrell Mitchell will be at Souths until at least the end of 2023.Credit: Getty Images
Reynolds has no interest playing in England, especially with a young family, and quipped he would try his luck at being an NFL punter in the US first.
Reynolds has one of the best kicking games, is rock-solid in defence and forged a brilliant combination with Cody Walker.
Souths boss Blake Solly said now Mitchell was signed until the end of 2023, the focus would turn to Reynolds, Dane Gagai and Jaydn Su’A, who are also unsigned beyond this year.
As for Reynolds, Solly said: “‘Reyno’s’ history speaks for itself, he’s a junior, he’s our club captain, we’d love to keep him and those negotiations have started, but they’re very much in their infancy. Like Latrell, we want to get to a deal that suits Adam and suits the club.”
Mitchell, Reynolds, Walker and Damien Cook are arguably the best ‘spine’ in the NRL and the reason Souths are tipped to party like its 2014.
Fan favourite Mitchell said he would love to set the challenge of becoming the best fullback in the game.
“It’s going to take time [to become the premier No. 1],” Mitchell said. “I was never a centre and I was the best centre in the game [at the Roosters]. The sky is the limit. I just have to stay fit, work on myself and my energy.
“There’s a goal, everyone wants to be the best player. I want to be the best player in the position in the team and do my role.″