Ben Hunt has admitted parts of the Brisbane Broncos playing group were ‘disappointed’ Adam Reynolds wouldn’t be getting a farewell game at Suncorp this weekend. Broncos fans and players were hoping to see Reynolds run out one last time at Suncorp Stadium this Thursday when the home side take on the Melbourne Storm.
Reynolds injured his calf a few weeks ago in training and many expected this occasion to be his last NRL game in front of a home crowd. Reynolds said he got through training and felt ready to play some part in the game.
Ben Hunt claimed parts of the Brisbane Broncos playing group were ‘disappointed’ captain Adam Reynolds (pictured far left) was not playing his farewell game at Suncorp Stadium. (Images: Getty Images)
Although a chat with Michael Maguire and the medical staff meant he wasn’t going to play this weekend or next with the premiership winning halfback announcing he had played his final game. Reynolds’ reveal about wanting to play has prompted swift backlash with many fans suggesting he should be allowed to run out if he feels fit enough.
Former NRL player Braith Anasta felt there was more to the story, while fans felt Reynolds being denied a fitting farewell was tough on the Broncos and Rabbitohs great. And teammate Hunt has also admitted his disappointment over the drama.
Hunt spoke to 4BC Brisbane Radio on Tuesday about the decision not to play Reynolds. “We were all away from training and back home before we knew what was going on,” Hunt said. “We were all pretty shocked to be fair, we knew how hard he has been pushing the last few weeks.
“We’ve seen him train out there yesterday… we thought for sure he was going to get another run around. We were excited to have…our captain to come back and play his final game at Suncorp.”
And the veteran admitted there was disappointment in the playing group. “I had a quick message to him as soon as I found out, he is obviously disappointed. He is a competitor and he wanted to get out there. From what I am gauging most of the players are disappointed too. We thought he deserved that sendoff,” Hunt added.
“I am not too sure, Reynolds has not given us a lot of details, so I am not too sure what the conversations were between him, the medical staff and Madge. But they have obviously made that decision between them, so I can’t comment too much.”
Corey Oates stunned at Adam Reynolds call
Hunt wasn’t the only player to have worn a Broncos jersey to be left surprised. Former Broncos winger Corey Oates was stunned the halfback wasn’t getting a run.
“Where we are, in the season, on the ladder, you bring him on for five or 10 minutes. I don’t care if you have to forego one interchange. I don’t care, it’s over for us,” Oates said on KIIS 973 Radio.
Ben Hunt (pictured far right) admitted was disappointed Adam Reynolds wouldn’t run out this Thursday for a farewell. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Broncos call on Adam Reynolds raises eyebrow
There has been speculation of unrest all year at the Broncos, which took off when Payne Haas announced his exit from the club. And speaking on Triple M Radio after Hunt’s comments, reporter David Riccio feels the latest drama hints at something going on.
“What’s fascinating here, which speaks to some unhappiness, is that he has also been ruled out of the final round game in Sydney. Where he is born and raised. He has already been ruled out,” Riccio said. “Therefore, has he just pulled the pin on it because he is gutted?”