Parker: Is the preliminary final Adam Reynolds’ greatest challenge?

SEN • September 25th, 2025 7:20 pm

In his 307-game career, is Adam Reynolds about to face his greatest test as an NRL player?

Having been selected into the starting line-up for his first match since Round 22 following a hamstring injury, there is plenty of pressure on the star halfback to be able to maintain the side’s current level of performance.

Since that injury, the Broncos have been undefeated after reshuffling their spine to accommodate the loss of their captain, which saw them make the top four and host a home Grand Final Qualifier.

With a Grand Final spot up for grabs and now a chance to redeem themselves from their loss in the 2023 Grand Final, there is certainly plenty on the line for the Bronx faithful.

Speaking on the topic on SENQ Breakfast, Parker would pose the question to his audience ahead of the clash, noting the risk that the decision brings upon Michael Maguire’s men.

“(It’s a) huge game. A lot of risk involved with a couple of players coming back from injury,” he said.

“Adam Reynolds is front and centre. The Broncos captain, the number seven, one of the most highlighted number seven jerseys in Australian sport, is a Broncos No. 7.

“He comes back into the team, there has been everything flying along beautifully for the Broncos, Reece Walsh has made himself front and centre.

“The last five weeks, they have gone 0-5 (wins).

“Is this Adam Reynolds’ greatest challenge?”

The 347-game Broncos legend would point out that the captain does have experience in this arena, with Sunday’s match being the 9th time across his 14 seasons that he has reached the penultimate weekend of the NRL season.

But his record is less than desired.

“He’s played in eight prelims; he has lost five and he has won three,” Parker added.

The Broncos will take on the Panthers on Sunday afternoon at Suncorp Stadium.

Kick-off will take place at 4:05pm with SEN’s coverage of the preliminary final beginning from 10am AEST with Broncos Breakfast on the SEN app.