Reynolds Ready to Impact Broncos' No.9 Competition: NRL Pre-season Daily

2025 NRL season officially launched | 02:44

Broncos captain Adam Reynolds is set to be put on ice for the 2025 pre-season while Cory Paix battles to unseat incumbent hooker Billy Walters in the trials this weekend.

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Code Sports reported Broncos coach Michael Maguire has chosen to be overly cautious with skipper Reynolds, who won’t play in Sunday’s NRL Pre-Season Challenge clash with the Titans in Toowoomba.

The champion halfback underwent off-season neck surgery and only returns to contact training this week ahead of the season kick off in early March.

Maguire is wary of Reynolds starting full contact too soon and won’t play him against the Titans.

Reynolds is still a chance to take on the Bulldogs in the club’s final trial next Saturday, but Maguire won’t risk his star No.7 ahead of the season opener against the Roosters on March 6.

Despite Reynolds’ absence, the Broncos are expected to field a strong team against the Titans, with Paix pushing Walters hard for the hooker role after a strong pre-season.

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Adam Reynolds is unlikely to play in the trials.Source: News Corp Australia

Ironically Reynolds’ absence could see Walters spend some time in the halves, which could open the door for Paix to make an impression at hooker.

Broncos coach Michael Maguire allayed fears 34-year-old Reynolds’ body might be breaking down on him as he enters his 14th and likely final season before retiring.

“Reyno is good,” Maguire said.

“He isn’t doing full contact but he has been doing a lot of work away from the group on his body and fitness.

“He has been around watching training and giving feedback and that’s the reason he is captain of this club.

“Reyno is really healthy which is pleasing.

“He had some bumps and bruises through (last) year, but he has worked really hard on his body. I am happy with where he is at.

“He was told a long time ago he wouldn’t be able to play week in, week out, but Reyno has definitely showed his toughness.

“There’s no reason he can’t get through this season in good shape if he does the work, which he is doing.

“He is such a tough warrior. As I learned at Souths, when Reyno is up and about, he gets the team buzzing.

“If we get his body right, he can have a big year for us. I know he can withstand the weekly grind.”

Paix didn’t play any NRL last season, but the 25-year-old Toowoomba native has impressed Maguire in his four-way showdown with Walters, Tyson Smoothy and Blake Mozer.