Brisbane Broncos coach Michael Maguire has declared he will do “whatever it takes” to keep veteran halfback and captain Adam Reynolds at Red Hill, even if it means making tough salary-cap decisions that could result in collateral damage to the squad.
Reynolds, 33, is set to open contract extension talks with the club in the coming weeks, and while his leadership and on-field management remain invaluable, his retention will not come without consequences for the Broncos’ tight salary cap.
Speaking to media on Monday, Maguire made no secret of his desire to see Reynolds finish his career in Brisbane colours, despite the financial squeeze.
“Reyno is a massive part of our club – as a player, a leader, and a mentor to the young blokes,” Maguire said. “We’re looking at all options to make it work. He’s still got plenty to give.”
Reynolds joined the Broncos from South Sydney in 2022 on a three-year deal and has since helped transform the club’s culture and on-field fortunes. His impact was evident in the Broncos’ rise to the 2023 NRL Grand Final and their strong performances in 2024, where he has continued to steer the team around the park with class and composure.
With his current deal expiring at the end of 2025, there’s growing pressure to secure his services for at least one more year — but not without trade-offs.
Maguire hinted that retaining Reynolds might require releasing or reshuffling contracts of younger talent or fringe players.
“You don’t get a bloke like Adam without making sacrifices elsewhere. That’s the reality,” Maguire said. “But we’ll work with management, look at our pathways, and make sure the core of this team stays strong.”
While the exact figures of Reynolds’ potential new deal haven’t been disclosed, it’s understood the club may need to free up as much as $700,000 annually to accommodate a one-year extension — a significant hit in the NRL’s capped environment.
This could mean letting go of promising talent such as Tristan Sailor or losing out in the retention race for other off-contract players like Xavier Willison or Jordan Riki.
Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy has backed Maguire’s intent to keep Reynolds, noting that the club is exploring back-ended deals and third-party agreements — within NRL rules — to ease the cap pressure.
“Adam has earned every cent he’s paid, and if we can find a way to keep him while staying compliant, we will,” Donaghy said. “We’ve got a great roster, and our job now is balancing experience with youth.”
Reynolds, for his part, has not been demanding. Sources close to the player say he is open to a reduced deal if it allows the club to maintain its competitive edge.
“It’s not about money for me at this stage of my career,” Reynolds said last week. “It’s about being part of something special. I believe this group can win a premiership — that’s what I’m chasing.”
Still, some within the Broncos’ inner circle are wary of what Maguire’s loyalty to Reynolds could mean for the club’s long-term development. With a slew of young stars — including Reece Walsh, Ezra Mam, and Payne Haas — due for upgrades or already on big-money deals, some tough decisions are looming.
NRL commentator Corey Parker, a former Broncos captain himself, weighed in on the situation on SEN Radio.
“Reyno has been brilliant, no doubt. But the club has to be smart. You don’t want to lose a 22-year-old with a decade ahead for one more year of Adam,” Parker said.
As negotiations ramp up, all eyes will be on Red Hill to see how the Broncos balance sentiment, leadership, and strategy. One thing is clear: Adam Reynolds’ influence is deeply embedded in the club — and Maguire is prepared to move mountains to keep it that way.