Adam Reynolds decision that looks even worse after Lachlan Ilias' NRL axing at Souths
The Broncos veteran continues to make a mockery of his former club.
If South Sydney weren't already regretting their decision to let Adam Reynolds leave the club, they certainly are now. This week's decision to axe halfback Lachlan Ilias is conclusive proof that Souths made the wrong call by not doing more to keep Reynolds.
Reynolds played for Souths for 10 seasons but decided to join the Broncos in 2022 when he was only offered a one-year contract extension by the Rabbitohs. Reynolds felt the offer was a slap in the face considering all he had done for the club, but the Rabbitohs were wary about blocking Ilias' path to first grade.
Ilias was seen as the future for the Bunnies, and the club had question marks over how much longer Reynolds' body could hold up. Reynolds moved to the Broncos as a result, leading them to the grand final last year where they fell agonisingly short.
As for Ilias, the 23-year-old has struggled in 67 games in the No.7 jersey for the Rabbitohs. The young halfback has failed to fire in a team of big personalities like Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker, and Souths missed the finals altogether last year despite leading the competition after round 11.
The fact he has now been axed for Dean Hawkins is a glaring admission that they made the wrong call on Reynolds. Even at the age of 33, Reynolds is showing no signs of slowing down and has signed a new deal that will continue his career into 2025.
Adam Reynolds has made a mockery of South Sydney call
Last month Reynolds' agent took a swipe at Souths, saying: “All the talk about Adam’s body at Souths was rumour and innuendo. Some people tried to discredit him, but Adam knows what he is capable of and he has shown that at the Broncos."
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On the eve of last year's finals series, Reynolds also addressed the situation. "I was questioned by certain people that I wouldn't be able to get through two years and here I am today, playing in a finals series," he told AAP. "Do the same people back then have the same opinion now?
"I've played over 20 games again this year. If you look over at other NRL players throughout the career, there's probably players that have missed a lot more games than me. It's something I laugh at. It doesn't really bother me."
Reynolds won't play against the Panthers this weekend after aggravating a knee injury. But the veteran has avoided serious injury and has full confidence in his body. "I still feel like I have more to give," he said recently. "My body is feeling good. I feel like I am playing good enough football to go around again. I am enjoying the club and I love being around the boys. It is pretty simple.
"I have full trust and faith in my body to get through another two years. There's a lot of great halves that get better (with age). The game tends to slow down for halves who have played a long time. Experience plays a big part in that."
Souths dismiss suggestions about Lachlan Ilias axing
Despite Ilias' axing, Souths are adamant he hasn't been made a scapegoat. "The responsibility for our results haven't fallen on his shoulders at all. It shouldn't be put that way because it's not his fault," captain Cameron Murray said.
"The unfortunate part of this game is you can only pick 17 players and it's proof that nobody's really safe; if you're not playing your best footy, you're not going to be in that side. I'm not saying that Lachie's not playing his best footy, I'm saying that Deano has earned that opportunity."