What's at stake for Adam Reynolds in prelim blockbuster?

Nicholas Quinlan • September 26th, 2025 1:57 pm

Robert Craddock has outlined what is at stake for Broncos captain Adam Reynolds should he help the Broncos break their 19-year premiership drought.

Since the star halfback was brought into the side from South Sydney in 2022, the 35-year-old has helped lead the side from 14th to making the Grand Final in 2023.

And now, he will lead the Broncos into their second preliminary final within the space of three years, with this being his first game back after sustaining a hamstring injury in Round 23, alongside Ezra Mam's first match back.

While Reynolds and Mam’s return to the line-up will give Brisbane a more competitive chance in the game, the veteran reporter noted how much is at stake for the captain from this clash, considering how in-form the side has been without him and his recent record in big games.

“It’s probably the most pressurised game of his career,” Craddock admitted on SENQ Breakfast.

“Cause, imagine if they win this Grand Final, he’ll play another season.

“He’ll be the last Broncos captain to be a premiership captain probably for a while, he’ll glide into retirement life with that golden stud that will open a door open to him in life beyond League.

“And Grand Finals haven’t been great to him lately, cause remember he was very poor in that last bit of the Grand Final when Nathan Cleary had 20 minutes walking with the gods and Adam had a tough 20 minutes.

“And of course, in the conversion in his final game for Souths in the Grand Final from the sideline, which would have levelled the scores, he just missed it.

“He has still been a great buy for the Broncos; they were an absolute mess, but gee, this is pressure.

“Like, imagine going on, 50 days since he has been out, they have won while you’re away, it is the team that has won the last four premierships in a row, you’re getting towards the end of the career.

“He’s cool, he’s good…but it’s pressure.”

The Panthers and the Broncos will do battle for the last spot for the 2025 NRL Grand Final on Sunday afternoon at Suncorp Stadium.

SEN will have live commentary of the match, beginning at 3pm AEST, available on the SEN app and across its radio network.

Kick-off takes place at 4:05pm.