The hurdle in the Broncos’ race for Souths gun Reynolds
BRONCOS coach Kevin Walters has declared Brisbane’s interest in South Sydney halfback Adam Reynolds is hinging on the club’s quest to re-sign Kotoni Staggs. Reynolds is in a contract spat with the Rabbitohs after only being offered a one-year extension and has been linked with a move to Red Hill.
Walters’ decision to drop offcontract five-eighth Anthony
Milford to the Intrust Super Cup this weekend further intensified speculation that Reynolds could be Brisbane-bound.
However the Broncos’ recruitment committee decided on Monday to not pursue Reynolds until they receive clarity on Staggs’ future.
The Broncos have discussed a three or four-year extension with Staggs worth $700,000-a-season, with the potential for the Tongan international to play five-eighth.
Walters said the club would wait until Staggs made a decision on his future before pursuing other marquee players.
“No, we’re going to sit tight at the moment,” he said when asked if the Broncos would make Reynolds an offer. We have Kotoni Staggs we are still trying to sort it, he is our priority and once we get him sorted we will make some decisions.
“We’ve ruled out doing anything until we get a decision from
Kotoni first, so we won’t be worrying about the player market until we have Kotoni finalised.”
Staggs, 22, is understood to have told some Broncos teammates he is keen to stay in Brisbane. However the deal is not done and at least two Sydney clubs, along with the Gold Coast Titans, have made huge plays for the dynamic ball-runner.
Broncos forward Pat Carrigan said he hoped Staggs committed to the club.
Walters has struggled to find a successful playmaking partnership in the opening five rounds, axing Milford to bring Tom Dearden and Brodie Croft together. Former captain Sam Thaiday said Brisbane’s playmaking problems were a large part of the club’s struggles ahead of Thursday night’s clash against Penrith at Suncorp Stadium.
“That’s an area where we are lacking at the moment,” he said.