Broncos captain Adam Reynolds out of NRL pre-season after surgery

Brisbane Broncos captain Adam Reynolds is set to miss a month of pre-season training after undergoing minor neck surgery following an injury sustained during a contact drill before Christmas.

The 33-year-old was experiencing nerve pain that was radiating down his right arm, prompting the club to exercise caution and send him for the procedure.

Reynolds’ recovery timeline means he is unlikely to participate in the Broncos’ pre-season matches but is expected to return for their NRL season opener against the Sydney Roosters on March 6.

Despite the disruption, the surgery was described as successful, and the club is confident their star halfback will be fit to lead the side into the 2025 campaign.

The injury comes at a challenging time for the Broncos, who are also without five-eighth Ezra Mam for the first nine weeks of the season due to an off-field suspension.

This leaves Reynolds as a crucial figure in the halves, where he is expected to partner veteran recruit Ben Hunt.

Reynolds’ absence complicates pre-season preparations for new coach Michael Maguire, particularly with Hunt needing to adapt to the Broncos’ system.

While the pair are likely to debut their partnership against the Roosters, where they are $1.70 bookmaker favourites to win.

Entering the final year of his contract, Reynolds will aim to rebound from a 2024 season where injuries limited his impact.

The Broncos will look to their experienced halfback to guide them through a difficult opening stretch as they navigate a reshaped spine and the absence of key players.

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