handyman2190
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Raddlys out with a shoulder issue,crightons back.
Im also convinced sua is on the way out,merge now manly etc etc
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Raddlys out with a shoulder issue,crightons back.
South Sydney must bend and re-sign Adam Reynolds
Andrew Webster
Andrew Webster
Chief Sports Writer
March 25, 2021 — 3.45pm
Adam Reynolds is a premiership-winning halfback who can organise his side’s attack, lands long and short kicks on a 20-cent piece, kicks goals at 85 per cent in a bad season and is also a competent defender.
He’s a South Sydney legend who grew up in housing commission near Redfern Oval, played more than 200 games for the club and never caused a single off-field problem.
He’s the captain. The spiritual heart and soul of the Rabbitohs. The player who deserves the slow, teary lap of honour when his career draws to a close.
Yet, for whatever reason, Souths don’t seem overly fussed if he plays somewhere else next year.
The contract stalemate between Reynolds and Souths is fast becoming a saga. If the club isn’t careful, it will soon become a shitfight. It’s already heading that way.
Rumours have been circulating that Reynolds selfishly wanted a five-year deal. Then four. His management says he only ever wanted the security of three.
Heart and soul: Adam Reynolds celebrates with Rabbitohs fans after starring in the epic 2014 grand final victory.
Heart and soul: Adam Reynolds celebrates with Rabbitohs fans after starring in the epic 2014 grand final victory.Credit:NRL Photos
Another misconception being spread around is that his 30-year-old body is breaking down.
With all this spin being spun, it’s little wonder Reynolds’ wily agent, Steve “Chimes” Gillis, came out swinging in the News Corp press, declaring he could see his client playing elsewhere next year.
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All this posturing is expected, but performance is what really counts. Reynolds has recovered from concussion and will take the field against the Roosters on Friday night. If he shoots the lights out, it will only heap more pressure on the club to re-sign their favourite son.
The issue isn’t so much money as the length of the contract, and on that score South Sydney are being as flexible as an Easter Island statue.
Reynolds has asked for a three-year deal worth about $2.1 million to stay. Souths won’t budge from their offer of a one-year deal.
Reynolds is prepared to make it a two-year deal, but Souths are adamant: it is going to be just one year.
Pressed on why, Souths have pointed to the sudden retirements of Greg Inglis, Sam Burgess and Ethan Lowe. Burgess and Lowe were medically retired, which means their early payouts only hurt the club’s bottom line, not their salary cap position.
Inglis’ decision to walk away did hurt them with their cap. They were given just $350,000 relief from the NRL’s salary cap auditor.
Souths say they don’t want to be hurt again, preferring to take the same road with Reynolds as they did with another club legend, John Sutton, who was given year-to-year contracts and now works at the club.
Reynolds is still a classy, match-winning halfback.
Reynolds is still a classy, match-winning halfback.Credit:Getty
The difference is that Sutton was 33 years old and on very little money. At the end of each season, he made a decision to keep playing, and the club made it work. Reynolds hasn’t reached that point of his career yet. He’s still one of the most reliable halves in the NRL.
Souths reckon they’re playing poker with a strong hand because no club in their right mind would pay Reynolds what he’s asking.
You reckon? Desperate clubs splash cash on big-name players like they’re shopping online late at night after drinking a bottle of gin, only to suffer from buyer’s remorse for years to come.
Reynolds is the halfback you are buying, sober or drunk. Quality, experienced and proven playmakers are hard to find.
Salary cap management is a tricky business, requiring some lengthy gazing at the crystal ball, guessing when a player’s body and instincts will fail him.
Souths’ recruitment and retention committee have a prudent eye on the future, with the highly regarded Blake Taaffe considered the long-term replacement. But would he be ready next year if Reynolds decides to leave?
The NRL provides scant cap relief for long-term players and what’s happening with Reynolds is no different to what’s happened at other clubs, before and after the salary cap was first introduced.
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Wayne Bennett, who has urged Souths to keep Reynolds, pulled the trigger with Wally Lewis. The departure of Trent Barrett broke the hearts of Dragons fans. The Tigers stuffed up the departure of Benji Marshall — twice.
In an interview at his luxurious Woolloomooloo apartment earlier this month, Souths co-owner Russell Crowe understood the delicate nature of the situation with Reynolds — but was confident sanity would prevail.
“I can’t imagine Adam in a different jersey,” he said.
He might have to.So salary cap isnt and issue with Adam then?
Totally agree R20, in fact I already posted this above (although I'm still learning how to link to articles like this)
Thanks MB! You're not too bad yourself.
Thanks so much for posting this R20. I'm in the process of listening to it now and I'm loving what I'm hearing from Levy.
Were is my friend mixo? He would have some news, mixo were are u brother
Hey Handy bro I've been flat out like a lizard drinking
Like I said to you guys when all this speculation started about Reynolds weeks ago that he will re-sign with the bunnies. He won't be going anywhere! Gags will be staying also and Burnsie may have to hang up his boots but will stay on with South's in some capacity. Cap space is tight gentlemen as you know. A few lesser lights will move on. Had to laugh when I heard Corey Allen had massive regrets signing with the dogs. The culture is very different there - watch this space
Hey Handy bro I've been flat out like a lizard drinking
Good to hear from u brother!Hey Handy bro I've been flat out like a lizard drinking
Mixo Brother you've come through like the Lone Ranger bringing good news to all us nervous fans. As this is coming from you I'm fully prepared to take it as Gospel and I'm feeling quite a bit better about the situation. Also I'm thrilled that Gags will be staying on in some capacity. He's shown that he is South Sydney through and through.Hey Handy bro I've been flat out like a lizard drinking
Taffe looks like a pretty damn good prospect....but Reynolds has the best kicking game in rugby league. It is a damn tough call....Taffe is not one you want to lose.
