Skipper right for future

Broncos skipper Adam Reynolds has dismissed concerns about his long-term playing future after being ruled out of Thursday night’s blockbuster against the Panthers at Suncorp Stadium.

Reynolds sent a scare through the Broncos when he was carried off on a medicab in last Thursday night’s 24-16 loss to the Storm at AAMI Park.

The Broncos initially indicated they would give Reynolds every chance to prove his fitness but Brisbane’s champion halfback revealed he will miss the Penrith clash after being “overruled” by club medicos.

The loss of Reynolds is a major blow for the Broncos (8-3), who will summon playmaking understudy Jock Madden for one of the biggest tests of his fledgling career against Penrith halfback maestro Nathan Cleary.

The Broncos go into the clash with an equal share of the competition lead with Souths but could drop out of the top four if they are beaten by the defending premiers, who roared back into form with last week’s 48-4 thumping of the Roosters.

Reynolds confirmed he is out of the Panthers showdown, but is confident of returning for Saturday week’s clash against the Warriors in New Zealand.

“I won’t play this weekend but everything is on track for the week after,” he said.

“The doctors have graded it a category one, which means I can’t play for 11 days.

“I feel fine. I feel I could play, but the doctors are looking after me and I have to respect their decision.”

Reynolds turns 33 in July and coach Kevin Walters said the veteran skipper has been carrying neck and shoulder issues in recent weeks. But after 262 NRL games and 11 years in the first-grade furnace, Reynolds insists he is not an injury risk. Asked if he is worried about suffering further damage when he returns, Reynolds said: “Not at all. The neck is fine, I’m feeling good there.”