Latrell lesson Broncos must take in Reynolds absence
Adam Reynolds is the key to any potential success for the Broncos this year – but there’s a recent warning for why they can’t rely on his return late in the year.
Less than 12 months ago, South Sydney were flying high and Latrell Mitchell was one of the form players of the competition, but his injury during State of Origin camp sent the club into a downward spiral that they still haven’t recovered from.
The fullback missed the middle portion of the season and while the Rabbitohs remained in the hunt for the finals, the belief that Mitchell would fix all of their problems when he was back on deck ultimately proved foolhardy as they dropped out of the top-eight in the final rounds.
Brisbane can ill-afford to fall into a similar trap this year, because it could be the difference between them channelling WWE champ Cody Rhodes and finishing their story, or becoming another footnote in Penrith’s dominant reign over the NRL.
The veteran halfback is expected to miss between 12 and 16 weeks with a torn bicep, which at worst would see Reynolds return for the Broncos in the final round of the regular season. At best, it could mean they welcome him back back for the run-home.
During the minimum time period that Reynolds is likely to be sidelined, Brisbane will receive a guaranteed four points with two separate byes during the Origin period, while they will also face the struggling Titans twice and Rabbitohs once.
Jock Madden is expected to step into the No.7 jumper while Reynolds is out of action, but the pressure will largely fall onto the shoulders of Ezra Mam at five-eighth.
This is a golden opportunity for the fleet-footed rising star to stamp his authority and prove to Kevin Walters that he can become the side’s long-term chief playmaker, with Madden a steady hand with a sound kicking game who can steer them around.
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