Reynolds hits back at ‘rift’ claims after snubbing Madge in farewell speech
Adam Reynolds has taken to Instagram to shut down any suggestions of a rift with Broncos coach Michael Maguire after he left his name out of his farewell speech.
Reynolds thanked a host of Broncos figures past and present during his farewell speech at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday, having being denied the chance to play one final game in front of the Brisbane fans.
Michael Maguire and Adam Reynolds. NRL Imagery
Reynolds claimed on Monday that it was Maguire and the medical staff who made the decision not to let him back on the field due to a lingering calf issue.
The 36-year-old then backflipped the following day and said it was his decision in a bid to defuse the situation and take heat off Maguire.
But during his post-game speech after Brisbane lost to Melbourne while he watched on from the sidelines, Reynolds failed to thank or mention Maguire.
The pair first worked together at South Sydney in 2012 and ended up winning a premiership in 2014, before reuniting at Red Hill last year and tasting glory again.
Both coach and player denied there was any rift during their pre-game press conferences, but Reynolds’ speech didn’t help putting them to bed.
On Saturday, he took to social media to do exactly that.
“I want to make one thing clear - myself and Madge are all good,” he wrote
“There’s no rift between us and I don’t want that narrative being created. I wouldn’t be where I am today or have had the career I’ve had without Madge and the impact he’s had on me.
“I’ve got enormous amount of respect for him as a coach, and more importantly, as a person. We’ve built a friendship over the years that will go well beyond footy.
“Nothing but respect and gratitude from my end.”
Reynolds added: “I missed the opportunity to thank my teammates, my family, everyone at the Rabbitohs or the many coaches and people who have played such a big part in my career.
“I’ll have plenty of time to thank all of those people properly in the days and weeks to come.”
Adam Reynolds has recorded 323 caps in first-grade football. Getty Images
The retiring playmaker gave praise to former coach Kevin Walters, as well as high-ranking members of the Broncos front office.
“A big thank you to Dave [Donaghy], Karl [Morris] and the board and Kevvie Walters for giving me an opportunity to firstly come up here to Brisbane, it’s been a hell of a ride and I’ve loved every minute of it,” Reynolds said.
“To the departing players, thanks boys, your service to the club certainly won’t be forgotten. To all the other retirees in the NRL, I just want to wish you all the best, thank you for your service to the game. It’s been a wonderful journey for myself and I’m sure you have some great memories yourself.
“Lastly, to our members and fans, thank you. While it’s been a great five years for myself and the family, we’ve grown in love with the town and city and Brisbane is home. Without you guys, it wouldn’t have been possible. Thank you. Love you all.”
Reynolds then walked off the stage in the middle of Suncorp Stadium.
After hanging up the boots, Reynolds is expected to stay at Brisbane and work on the club’s coaching staff, helping with the young halves.
The Broncos will take on the Bulldogs in their final game of the season next week.
