Broncos coach in bizarre claim about Adam Reynolds after inclusion for Newcastle Knights game

The Broncos halfback was a surprise inclusion on the extended bench for this weekend's clash with the Knights.

Sports Reporter

Wed, 17 July 2024, 1:14 am·4-min read

Brisbane stunned the NRL world on Tuesday by naming halfback Adam Reynolds in the No.24 jersey for the Broncos' must-win clash against the Knights. Reynolds has not played for the Broncos since Round 9 after he walked off the field with a bicep injury and the Brisbane No.7 was expected to still be at least two weeks away from making his return.

The Broncos find themselves in a dire situation needing to win six of their last seven games to make NRL finals, in what has been a disappointing season to date. Reynolds was a huge reason why the Broncos made the 2023 grand final, with his experienced head helping to guide the young team around the park. And the Broncos have struggled without their chief playmaker in 2024 as they sit outside the top eight on 18 points.

Adam Reynolds pictured — Adam Reynolds was a surprise inclusion on the extended bench for this weekend's clash with the Knights. Image: Getty

Fans were quick to notice his inclusion on the extended bench for Round 20, and it was later revealed that he will make an early return against the Knights. But that came after assistant coach Matt Ballin made a bizarre claim about why he was named.

Channel 9 commentator Peter Psaltis said Ballin told him Reynolds being named was solely done so they had enough players to make up the required team list numbers. "I asked Matt Ballin about Adam Reynolds being named on the Broncos bench for Saturday night’s game against the Knights," Psaltis wrote on social media. "He said they were running out of players and put his name down to fill the allotted spots on the bench. Said he’s 2 weeks away from a return."

I asked Matt Ballin about Adam Reynolds being named on the Broncos bench for Saturday night’s game against the Knights. He said they are running out of players and put his name down to fill the allotted spots on the bench. Said he’s 2 weeks away from a return. @NRLonNine
— Peter Psaltis (@peterp79) July 16, 2024

Reynolds has been back in full training and will be hoping to help the Broncos make a late charge to the NRL finals. The halfback was a huge reason why the Broncos made the 2023 grand final having used his experience to guide a young team around the park. And the Broncos have struggled without their chief playmaker in 2024, sitting outside the top eight on 18 points.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 03: Adam Reynolds of the Broncos is injured during the round nine NRL match between the Brisbane Broncos and Sydney Roosters at Suncorp Stadium, on May 03, 2024, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images) — Adam Reynolds has not played for the Broncos since round nine after he walked off the field with a bicep injury. Image: Getty

Many NRL fans predicted the Broncos to win the premiership in 2024, with their young squad gaining the experience of playing in and almost winning a grand final. However, injuries to stars such as Reynolds, Reece Walsh and a few Origin absentees - have hampered their season.

The Broncos have lost six games in a row and play the Knights with their season on the line. And while finals in 2024 are looking like a long shot, Brisbane do have a relatively soft run home. The Broncos face the Knights, Bulldogs, Titans, Cowboys, Eels, Dolphins and Storm to finish the season and also have a bye in there as well.

Ezra Mam has missed Adam Reynolds' leadership

Broncos five-eighth Ezra Mam admitted he has missed his halves partner and said his return to training has been a big boost. "We are not too sure when Reyno's full return is. We are happy to have him back training with us," Mam said. "He is definitely helping and guiding our halves and spine. Having him training is big for our team. When he comes back, we don't know, but it will be a big impact for us.

"He has been very sad to miss out and wants to come back as fast as he can. I have missed him on the field, but having said that it has been a good opportunity for myself to step up and take control of the team. It has been a bit of growth for myself and handling the game."

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 10: Ezra Mam of the Broncos flick passes the ball to Adam Reynolds of the Broncos who goes on to score a try during the round 15 NRL match between Brisbane Broncos and Newcastle Knights at Suncorp Stadium on June 10, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images) — Broncos five-eighth Ezra Mam has admitted he has missed his halves partner Adam Reynolds and believes he is a chance for a return next week. Image: Getty

Mam says poor discipline and errors have hurt the Broncos in their six-game losing streak and conceded that he has also not been good enough. "All of us individually in our team have got to find another level in our game. With myself I have to focus on my job," he said.

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"When I make an error it really hurts me. That is how much I love it. I never mean to make an error but that is the attitude we have all got to have, and move on from our mistakes."

No team in premiership history has come back and won the title after losing six games in a row, but Mam said the Broncos could. "Definitely. We like to break records," he said. "They say that no team has won the grand final after six losses in a row, and we would like to break that one this year."

with AAP