The South Sydney Rabbitohs are grappling with a severe injury crisis in the 2025 NRL season, which has brought to light a “gigantic error” in the club’s recruitment strategy dating back to 2022. The decision to let go of veteran halfback Adam Reynolds, offering him only a one-year contract extension instead of the two years he sought, is now under intense scrutiny.
Reynolds, now 35, left the Rabbitohs disillusioned by the club’s belief that his body could not endure the long-term demands of the NRL. He subsequently joined the Brisbane Broncos, where he has since proven his durability, challenging the initial assessment by South Sydney’s retention and recruitment staff.
Reynolds’ Stellar Performance Contrasts Souths’ Struggles
Veteran rugby league reporter Phil Rothfield has highlighted the stark contrast between Reynolds’ performance and the Rabbitohs’ current predicament. Speaking on the Big Sports Breakfast, Rothfield suggested that South Sydney needs to investigate their sports science and high-performance practices, as many injuries have reportedly occurred during training sessions.
“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.
Rothfield pointed out that whoever advised South Sydney’s recruitment team four years ago that Reynolds was a long-term risk made a significant error. Since moving to the Broncos, Reynolds has played 74 games, which is 20 more than Souths’ fullback Latrell Mitchell and only four fewer than Cody Walker.
By the Numbers: Reynolds vs. Souths
- Reynolds has recorded 78 try assists, 600 points, 3,490 possessions, and 30,412 kicking metres.
- He has played 5,592 minutes since leaving South Sydney.
- Reynolds has played 20 more games than Latrell Mitchell in the same period.
These statistics underscore Reynolds’ continued impact on the field, contrasting sharply with the Rabbitohs’ current injury woes, which have sidelined key players such as Mitchell, Walker, Brandon Smith, Campbell Graham, Cameron Murray, and others.
Broader Implications and Calls for Change
The Rabbitohs’ injury crisis has sparked a broader discussion about the length of the NRL season. Former player Laurie Daley has voiced concerns about the demands placed on players, suggesting that the 27-round season is excessively long.
“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 commented.
Rothfield echoed these sentiments, urging rugby league officials to consider the welfare of elite players who are often required to play year-round. He emphasized the need to assess injuries across the competition and prioritize player welfare.
“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 said. “You’ve got to look at the welfare and you’ve got to look at injuries across the competition.”
The Rabbitohs’ situation highlights the challenges faced by NRL clubs in balancing player retention, recruitment, and the physical demands of the sport. As the season progresses, the club’s response to these issues will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
With the Rabbitohs’ injury list growing and questions surrounding their recruitment decisions, the club’s management may need to reevaluate their strategies to ensure long-term success and player health.
