Breaking: Michael Maguire Responds as Andrew Johns and Billy Slater Clash Over Key Broncos Issue

Broncos coach Michael Maguire has all but declared Adam Reynolds will return at halfback if he proves his fitness, amid suggestions the skipper should be overlooked for Sunday’s NRL preliminary final against Penrith. Reynolds and Ezra Mam are both pushing to return from hamstring injuries after training well last week, sparking debate between league legends Andrew Johns and Billy Slater about what changes Maguire should make.

 

It comes after Broncos legend Gorden Tallis questioned whether Reynolds should be recalled, after pointing to the superb form of Ben Hunt in the halfback’s absence. The Broncos have won five from five with Hunt wearing the No.7 jersey and the veteran playmaker has helped unlock Brisbane’s gun attacking weapons Reece Walsh and Kotoni Staggs.

 

Hunt also kicked the winning field goal in golden point against Canberra in week one of the finals, booking Brisbane’s spot in Sunday’s prelim. But Maguire has hinted that if Reynolds is declared fit for the grand final qualifier against Penrith, then he’ll almost certainly pick the skipper.

 

Reynolds was close to returning for week one of the finals, but after re-aggravating his hamstring injury before the playoffs, Brisbane played it safe and held off on his comeback. Maguire says they will re-assess how Reynolds is going at training this week but brushed off suggestions the Broncos are a better side without their captain.

 

The Brisbane coach said the premiership winner’s finals experience can’t be understated after throwing his support behind the veteran. Reynolds won the 2014 grand final under Maguire at South Sydney and is the only player in the Broncos’ squad to taste premiership success.

 

“At this time of year, experience is so important. ’Reyno’ has been to many finals series and he has played in three grand finals. He has won a premiership,” Maguire told News Corp. “At this time of the season, it’s about making sure you are picking the right people in the right places and Reyno definitely has the experience. I will assess the side this week.”