For Broncos star halfback Adam Reynolds, the season Brisbane are having feels much the same as the one he had with the Rabbitohs in 2014 when he led them to the NRL premiership.
The Broncos captain was surprisingly cut by Souths and signed with Brisbane in 2022 and admits he has “fallen deeply in love” with his new club.
Reynolds is a fan favourite in Brisbane and is enjoying every moment as he and teammates were swamped by supporters at a fan day as they chase grand final glory against the Panthers.
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“Couple of good memories and that was a good week,” Reynolds said about his time with the Rabbitohs and grand final week.
“Hopefully I can replicate that and get another (grand final) victory.
“We’ve been a confident side all year and we know the strengths of our team we know what works well for us.
“If we get things right on the night we’re a pretty hard team to contain.”
The 33-year-old has already experienced grand final heartbreak against the Panthers in 2021 while playing for the Rabbitohs and praised opposite halfback Nathan Cleary and the Penrith team.
“They (Penrith) do things so well and make it hard for the other team so we’ve got to be at our best,” Reynolds said.
“(Cleary is) Such a great player and you can’t completely shut him down and he’s going to continually ask questions of the defence.
“It’s not just Cleary, we’ve got to focus on the whole team.”
Reynolds admitted he did not think he could ever love another rugby league club like the way he loved the Rabbitohs.
“Probably not. I was at Souths my whole life and knew nothing different,” Reynolds explained at the Broncos fan day and media session.
“It’s not until you step out of an organisation and find another one and realise what’s on the other side.
“I thought South Sydney was all for me, but I’m grateful for the opportunity I have been given by Brisbane and I’ve fallen deeply in love with the club. It’s a good love story.”
After a thumping 42-12 preliminary final win against the Warriors, the Broncos are playing with plenty of confidence with star fullback Reece Walsh saying his side have no fear about playing the Panthers.
“We don’t fear them, we know the brand of footy we can play,” Walsh said.
“We’re going to give them the respect they’ve earnt.”
Broncos forward Payne Haas, who has played with numerous Penrith stars during State of Origin with the NSW Blues, agreed and said he is looking forward to the challenge of taking on the Panthers.
“Obviously they’ve (Penrith) been the best team the last couple of years. These are the kind of games you want to play in and win in,” Haas said.
“They got two arms, two legs just like us and they bleed like us as well.
“Looking to knock them off this week.
“Marto (Panthers forward Liam Martin) and all that they’re going to come out and try and kill us.
“Looking forward to it, it’s a great challenge and they’re great players as well.”
– With AAP
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