Broncos legend and board member Darren Lockyer has backed Michael Maguire’s decision to bring Adam Reynolds back into the side, despite suggestions it could impact Reece Walsh. Maguire has welcomed back captain and halfback Reynolds straight back into the Broncos side to play the Panthers in the preliminary final this weekend.
Reynolds hasn’t played since round 23 after pulling his hamstring. Since losing Reynolds, Ezra Mam and Selwyn Cobbo in the one game, the Broncos went on a stellar run having reached the prelim final with Billy Walters and Ben Hunt in the halves.
Broncos legend Darren Lockyer (pictured left) has backed Michael Maguire’s decision to bring Adam Reynolds back into the side and feels Reece Walsh can still thrive. (Images: Getty Images)
Walters’ injury means Hunt will shift to No.6, while Reynolds will steer the side around Suncorp against Nathan Cleary’s side. But there are suggestions Walsh wasn’t thriving at the beginning of the season when Reynolds and Hunt were in the halves.
The Broncos have enjoyed a rollercoaster season with coach Maguire copping plenty of criticism after a string of poor form in the middle of the season. Reynolds and Hunt copped backlash at one stage with Walsh also struggling for form with the veteran duo steering the ship.
Walsh has excelled in recent weeks when given early ball with Hunt and Walters playing simple footy. And Maguire’s call to reinstate Reynolds against the Panthers has raised eyebrows on whether this will disrupt Walsh’s form. Broncos great Corey Parker admitted he was ‘concerned’ with Reynolds’ return having played so little footy in recent weeks.
Despite suggestions Maguire is taking a huge gamble in bringing back Reynolds, legendary five-eighth Lockyer has no doubt the veteran needs to be back in the side. Lockyer claimed Reynolds is one of the few halfbacks who can match Cleary when it comes to his kicking game and is confident he will help bring out the best in his teammates. But both Walsh and Reynolds don’t need to overplay their hand against a side that doesn’t make many mistakes.
“Nathan Cleary has the best kicking game in the competition, but Adam Reynolds is not far behind him,” Lockyer said on 2GB Radio. “I think the key for Reyno, he hasn’t played for a while, if he just focuses on what his job is for the team and playing with patience that will be the key to unlocking Reece Walsh.
“Because we all know what Reece can do, we all have seen what Adam can do, if they just focus what their job is for the team, the rest of it will come. There is plenty of skill in those two players that there opportunities at some point will come in the game.”
Darren Lockyer defends Michael Maguire’s process
Maguire’s methods have come under scrutiny ever since he took over at Red Hill with suggestions he can push his players too hard too early. At one point, Maguire’s team had slipped out of the top eight and the pressure was building on the coach. But Maguire has helped navigate the Broncos won win away from a NRL grand final. And Lockyer feels the players have bought into his methods and have proven the doubters wrong.
“Madge was always confident what he was doing, the approach he had, was going to work. He was really strong holding his nerve through that period. And to his credit, he has come out the other side with the team. And the players are all buying into what Madge wanted from the playing group. And now they are reaping the rewards…at this point in time he’s proven right.”
Adam Reynolds (pictured left) and Ezra Mam (pictured right) will both return against the Panthers.
Adam Reynolds hits back ahead of Broncos return
Speaking on Wednesday, Reynolds hit back at suggestions Walsh and himself don’t mix on the field and was ready to prove the doubters wrong. “The media can make what they want of the last couple of months, but prior to that I was trying to get Walshy more ball, and they sit there and knock that down like it’s a bad thing,” Reynolds said.
“Not much will change. Walshy has been playing fantastic football and is a big part of the reason we are in this situation. I will be trying to get him as much ball as possible and if he sees an opportunity, it’s open for him to take it.”
Adam Reynolds, Ben Hunt and Reece Walsh will play against the Panthers in the preliminary final.