The South Sydney Rabbitohs are facing a challenging 2025 season, plagued by a series of injuries that have reignited criticism over a significant decision made by the club’s recruitment team in 2022. The decision to let go of veteran halfback Adam Reynolds, offering him only a one-year contract extension instead of the two he desired, has come under scrutiny as the team’s injury woes deepen.
Reynolds, now 35, left the Rabbitohs for the Brisbane Broncos after feeling undervalued by South Sydney’s assessment of his long-term durability in the National Rugby League (NRL). The club’s belief that his body could not withstand the rigors of the sport has been proven wrong, with Reynolds thriving in his new environment.
Reynolds’ Performance Defies Expectations
According to veteran rugby league reporter Phil Rothfield, Reynolds has effectively debunked the myth of his supposed fragility. As South Sydney grapples with an expanding list of injured players, Rothfield has called for an investigation into the club’s sports science and high-performance practices.
“Souths need an investigation into their injuries, they really do. Their sports science, their high-performance. A lot of them have happened at training,” Rothfield stated on the Big Sports Breakfast.
In a column for The Daily Telegraph, Rothfield highlighted Reynolds’ impressive statistics since joining the Broncos. He has participated in 74 games, significantly more than Souths’ fullback Latrell Mitchell and only slightly fewer than Cody Walker.
By the Numbers: Reynolds has recorded 78 try assists, 600 points, 3,490 possessions, and 30,412 kicking metres, surpassing both Mitchell and Walker in each category.
Injury Crisis at South Sydney
Alongside Mitchell and Walker, key players such as Brandon Smith, Campbell Graham, Cameron Murray, Jayden Sullivan, Tevita Tatola, Keaon Koloamatangi, Mikaele Ravalawa, and Davvy Moale are currently sidelined due to injuries. This has intensified calls for the Rabbitohs to reassess their sports science methodologies.
Rothfield’s concerns are echoed by former rugby league player Laurie Daley, who suggests that the length of the NRL season may also be contributing to the injury crisis.
“The season is too long isn’t it, 27 rounds… it’s a lot of football. 24 games, plus your Origins and your Test matches,” Daley remarked.
Broader Implications for the NRL
This situation has prompted broader discussions about player welfare and the demands placed on elite athletes. Rothfield urges rugby league authorities to consider the cumulative impact of a packed schedule on players.
“It is for the elite players, for the players who play finals every year. They play State of Origin, they play trial matches, they play the All Stars game,” Rothfield explained. “You’ve got to look at the welfare and you’ve got to look at injuries across the competition.”
As the Rabbitohs navigate their current challenges, the decision to part ways with Reynolds serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of underestimating veteran players. The club’s future strategies will likely be shaped by this experience, as they strive to balance immediate performance needs with long-term player health and retention.
