Broncos urged to give Adam Reynolds the farewell he deserves
The Brisbane Broncos are facing mounting pressure to reverse their decision on Adam Reynolds and allow the veteran halfback one final NRL appearance in front of home fans, a move that would salvage what has become a public relations mess for the club.
Reynolds revealed this week that he had played his last first grade game, sparking confusion and criticism after coach Michael Maguire reportedly told the playmaker that medical staff had concerns about his fitness. The situation has dominated rugby league headlines for three days, with commentators questioning why a player deemed close to fit was denied a proper send-off.
What happened with Adam Reynolds' final game?
Reynolds underwent a fitness test on Monday, after which Maguire was said to have informed him that Brisbane's medical staff raised concerns about his ability to complete a game without injury. An emotional Reynolds announced the news on NRL360 that evening, but by Tuesday he told media it was his own decision to retire.
Maguire fronted the press on Wednesday, stating:
He basically said to me, I think it's time Madge and I respect that.
The conflicting accounts have left fans and commentators puzzled, with The Australian's Brent Read calling the situation a PR disaster.
Why are NRL commentators criticising the Broncos?
Speaking on NRL360, Read said the club had fumbled what should have been a celebratory week.
It's been a culmination over the season of PR disasters, the entire season has been a rabble so I suppose we shouldn't really be surprised how it is ending,
He added that Reynolds appeared most genuine in his initial emotional interview, saying:
I don't think we will ever know the truth, he was the most raw. He came on, he was emotional straight after the decision was made. You would think that is the most honest you get someone at that point.
The Daily Telegraph's Michael Carayannis argued the Broncos had missed an opportunity for positive coverage in a difficult season.
They have had little to celebrate this year, this could have been the first week that they could have had lots of positive news and celebration around Adam Reynolds,
He noted the club could have honoured Payne Haas and other departing players, but instead:
We are left confused, we're left surprised by what has transpired.
Could Reynolds still play one more game?
Carayannis urged Maguire and the medical team to reconsider, pointing out that Reynolds felt good after his fitness test and that the Broncos play again in Round 27.
What I can't understand is Adam seemed, at the very least, close to being able to play this weekend. Why doesn't he play next week? If he is fit and we have seen the uproar this week, the smart thing would be to say 'Adam, do you think you could play next week? Play next week'.
Read suggested Reynolds wants a farewell at Suncorp Stadium, and drew a comparison with how the South Sydney Rabbitohs have handled Jai Arrow's final games amid his battle with motor neurone disease. The NRL granted Souths an extra substitute to allow Arrow to take the field in their last two regular season matches.
Surely there was a way Adam could have sat on the bench and came on, potentially played 20 or 15 minutes. Just something to honour the guy... Adam deserved to play,
Read said.
What's next for the Broncos and Reynolds?
The Broncos are out of finals contention, meaning Round 27 will be their last match of the season. Whether Reynolds features remains unclear, but the chorus of voices calling for a fitting farewell is growing louder by the day.