Adam Reynolds has no doubts the Craig Fitzgibbon revolution at Cronulla will be a success, but said the need for new challenge was the simple reason he opted to sign a three-year $2.2 million deal with the Brisbane Broncos.
Before boarding a flight north for Magic Round, the premiership-winning halfback told the Herald on Thursday: “There are a number of reasons I’ve signed with the Broncos – they’re a big club, a one-team town, and it’s a new challenge for myself and my family.
Adam Reynolds in Brisbane on Thursday.Credit: Getty
“It’s one of the toughest decisions I’ve ever made, not just in sport but life in general. It was very close between the Broncos and Cronulla. But it came down to that fresh start and challenge.
“I could have stayed at Souths for one year. But security was a big thing for me. The decision happened quickly. I’m not sure the exact moment I reached it, but I’d discussed everything with my family for a few weeks. I keep saying it but it came down to that fresh start.”
Reynolds said his wife Tallara needed little convincing about uprooting their four young children for the big move north.
“I didn’t need her leaving me as well,” said Reynolds, which was a light-hearted reference to his split with Souths. “I had to consult with her, we also involved the kids to see how they were ... it was a big decision for us to make.
“I’ve never lived outside of Sydney, so I have no idea where we will settle up there. Schooling will be important. We’ll work it out in the coming months.”
Reynolds, 30, met with coach Kevin Walters and new chief executive Dave Donaghy in Sydney a couple of Sundays ago and liked what they had to say. Souths coach Wayne Bennett also offered his input, but left the decision ultimately to Reynolds.
“They told me what the Broncos stand for, how they have passionate people and supporters - they’re similar to South Sydney, being a huge club with a huge supporter base,” Reynolds said.
“The media got a hold of it before I could get anything out [on Wednesday]. I let the boys know via WhatsApp on Wednesday night, just to tell them what was in the media was true, and that I was sorry I couldn’t get the news to them first.
Adam Reynolds will join the Brisbane Broncos at the end of the season.Credit: Grant Trouville/NRL Photos
“It happened a lot quicker than I wanted to. Had I told them in person and spoke in front of the group, there would have been tears.
“They’ve all been understanding and supportive of the decision, but I’ve let them know I’m committed for this season and we’ll do everything possible to make sure we get some glory at the end of the year.″
Reynolds said he respected Fitzgibbon and Cronulla were professional with all their dealings with him. He dreaded informing Fitzgibbon of his Brisbane decision on Wednesday.
Reynolds will need to get through Friday’s captain’s run before being given the all-clear to return from a broken thumb against the Sharks at his soon-to-be-future home ground, Suncorp Stadium.
Souths will now rely on youngsters Blake Taaffe, Lachlan Ilias and the off-contract Dean Hawkins to try and fill the giant shoes Reynolds leaves in what will be Jason Demetriou’s first year in charge in 2022. Souths chief executive Blake Solly quickly confirmed they would not enter the market for an established halfback.
Meanwhile, Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson confirmed on Thursday that Sam Walker had extended his stay until the end of 2023.
Despite wanting to keep him another “ten years”, Robinson was glad the halfback’s short-term future was secured at Bondi.
“It’s been very clear from [his parents] Ben and Kylie, Sam and their management that this was the place for him a couple of years ago and this is the place for him the next couple of years,” said Robinson, who added Walker would need to get through Friday’s captain’s run to play against North Queensland at Magic Round.
Sport newsletter
Sports news, results and expert commentary delivered straight to your inbox each weekday. Sign up here.