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How to tune into Sport NationReynolds: How I handled the pressure of ending a dynasty
Sam Kosack • September 30th, 2025 9:56 am
Adam Reynolds has kicked 1137 goals in his NRL career, but possibly none as important or iconic as his sideline conversion to end the Penrith Panthers’ dynasty.
With four minutes remaining, the Broncos locked scores at 14-all after Deine Mariner scored in the corner.
Reece Walsh had been the goal kicker up to that point in the game as Reynolds was returning from a six week layoff due to a hamstring injury.
But with weary legs, and having missed the previous attempt, Walsh stepped aside and gave the pressure kick to Reynolds.
Now, the Broncos’ captain has revealed what was going through his head as he stepped up to take the kick that would ultimately put the Broncos into a grand final.
“I was going to kick throughout the whole game, but I got a bit tight,” Reynolds revealed on SENQ Breakfast.
“I thought he (Walsh) had been kicking well so no harm in handing him the ball. Side of the post he normally knocks them straight through so I was surprised.
“As a kicker you love those big moments, you have to put everything aside, but as a kicker to put the emotions aside and go through your process, I was confident.
“I had a few looks in the warmup from that exact spot.
“I enjoyed the moment. Firstly, from there you want to put everything aside.
“(I) had a smile on my face looking at the crowd. From there, I just wait for the ref to give me the all clear and go through my routine which I’ve done 1000 times.
“You get the boys to put dirt on you at training while you’re having a kick; it all plays a part in the moment.”
It was from a similar situation at Suncorp Stadium that Reynolds missed the sideline conversion that began the Panthers’ era of dominance.
In 2021, the Rabbitohs took on the Panthers in the Grand Final at Suncorp Stadium.
Reynolds had a chance to tie the game with six minutes remaining, but pushed it marginally wide, ultimately seeing the Panthers win their first of four consecutive premierships by two points.
But there were no fears of a repeat occasion for Reynolds, who was already getting over the mental demons of returning from another hamstring injury.
“I was confident I would make a return but with the boys going so well there were people calling for me not to come back,” Reynolds said.
“I was confident about adding to the team. We worked so hard from November to now and we have got the belief we can do something special.
“It’s always on the brink, as you get older it gets harder. But I felt good and I’ve done a lot of work in the last 6 weeks. When you’re called upon you have to go, however tired you are, we keep turning up for one another.
“I’m confident running at top speed; the medical team have been fantastic getting so many of us back.
“As players you always want to be out there with your teammates, so it was frustrating.
“I tried to rush back too soon and reaggravated the hammy. I was too keen.
“To see the boys, Hunt stepped into that role, Walters stood up, they have been unbelievable. It's been a blessing for the group to get through that. It adds another layer of belief.
“Sometimes we think about it too much and get caught up in the hype.”
The Broncos take on the Melbourne Storm in the grand final on Sunday.
