The absence of emerging playmakers within the Brisbane talent pool has led Andrew Johns to question the club’s strategic planning, particularly as they aim to secure veteran halfback Adam Reynolds for another term.
Reynolds, at 35, has no plans to retire this season and is keen to prolong his career for at least another year.
If the contract is finalised, the Broncos will be fielding two playmakers past the age of 35, with Ben Hunt already signed until the end of 2026.
This veteran pairing currently represents the oldest halves combination in the competition.
Brisbane’s recent dip in form has sparked concerns regarding their ability to rectify their season trajectory, prompting many to speculate about the future landscape at Red Hill.
NRL Broncos players Ben Hunt and Adam Reynolds. Dion Georgopoulos
As clubs like the Canberra Raiders highlight their emerging talent this year, questions arise in Brisbane regarding who will eventually take up the mantle from Reynolds and Hunt.
“What concerns me is that, despite being the largest club in the NRL, they have no young halves coming through,” Johns remarked on Nine’s Freddy and the Eighth.
“They’re contemplating extending Adam Reynolds’ contract at 35 years of age. What about their future playmakers?”
“Where are the next halves? They simply aren’t there.”
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“Look at the Raiders, they’ve got Kaeo Weekes in his early 20s. Players like Chevy Stewart (19), Ethan Sanders, and Ethan Strange are all in their 20s as well.”
“Every young player in Queensland aspires to play for the Broncos… So where’s the forward-thinking?”
Former Broncos legend Darren Lockyer has mentioned Coby Black as a potential future replacement for Reynolds, although he is yet to make his first-grade debut.
In addition, the Broncos must also address the impending retirements of other experienced members like Billy Walters, Corey Jensen, and Jack Gosiewski, all of whom are over 30 years old.
“They certainly possess the talent. They are undeniably the finest players,” Brad Fittler commented when asked if young players are urgently needed to mitigate the club’s struggles.
“They have access to all the young talent in Queensland. Brisbane has always boasted an excellent production line.”
“They’ve got the best talent; it’s a matter of finding a solution to their current issues.”
The Broncos currently sit in 11th place on the NRL ladder and will next face the Titans on Saturday.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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