‘It is up to Reynolds’: The new role ‘selfless’ Broncos star must embrace in finals return

Due to the untimely injury to Billy Walters during Brisbane’s classic victory in Canberra over the weekend, pressure again falls on Adam Reynolds to steer the Broncos back to the summit.

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Reynolds returns to what could be a different role for the veteran halfback given the unbelievable form of fullback Reece Walsh.

Speaking on ‘Matty & Cronk’, premiership-winning halfback Cooper Cronk said Walsh has “gone to another level” since Reynolds’ injury and that it is on the experienced playmaker to adjust when he re-enters the side.

“It is up to (Reynolds) to come in and keep that flow going,” said Cronk.

While Reynolds is used to running the offence, Cronk explained the 35-year-old will have to play a different role which no longer is centred around “making the big plays”.

“It’s about game management, and getting the ball two passes wider to speed and space,” Cronk said.

“Reynolds comes in at 7, Ben Hunt at 6, Reece Walsh stays there.

“It’s Adam’s (role) to get Reece in the best possible position.”

Cronk said the key to the Broncos’ title chances was getting Reynolds to buy into a selfless philosophy.

“It’s a selfless attitude, a team-first mentality from Adam Reynolds for them to win the comp,” the former Storm halfback added.

Matty Johns, meanwhile, likened Walsh’s play to Queensland fullback Kalyn Ponga and believes Reynolds will play a pivotal role in helping him play at an elite level.

“There’s a lot of similarities between Ponga and Walsh,” Johns said.

“Their sweet spot is sweeping around, coming down that left hand side…he’s really dangerous on the left”.

Cronk added: “Reynolds does have a great ability of squaring up defenders and condensing them”

“He just needs to come in and make Reece Walsh the main man.”

The Broncos are one of the form teams in the competition, winning 11 of their last 13 and five in a row without their starting halves, and the hope is that Reynolds will only bolster an already well oiled machine.