Adam Reynolds’ stunning confession on Broncos future after Jonah Pezet deal raises eyebrows_he could book a flight for the same process” as Eel’s power still active for business…
Brisbane Broncos skipper Adam Reynolds has pulled no punches in his reaction to the blockbuster Jonah Pezet signing — admitting he was taken by surprise by the move, yet leaving the door open to extending his playing career beyond 2026.
His comments have ignited debate among NRL circles over timing, legacy and the shifting guard in the halves for the premiership-chasing club.
A Shock Signing
In a stunning turn of events, rising star Jonah Pezet — formerly at Melbourne Storm — has struck a rare dual-club arrangement: a one-year stint at the Parramatta Eels in 2026, followed by a long-term commitment with the Brisbane Broncos commencing 2027.
As news first broke, Reynolds admitted he had “not seen too much” of Pezet before the deal, but acknowledged that by all accounts it’s a strong acquisition for Brisbane. Despite that, the Broncos captain conceded the signing “caught me off guard.”
There’s little doubt that Brisbane’s recruitment finger was guided by succession planning: Reynolds and Ben Hunt are both edging toward the latter stages of their contracts and careers, and the club needs to ensure continuity in its spine. Corey Parker, club great and respected voice, has backed the move — seeing Pezet as capable of replacing Reynolds in a fresh halves pairing alongside Ezra Mam.
Still, Reynolds’ candid appraisal — that he was blindsided — has raised eyebrows. For a club captain to publicly admit surprise speaks to the extraordinary nature of the deal, and underscores just how quickly the landscape can change in elite NRL recruitment.
Leaving the Door Slightly Ajar: Reynolds’ Future
While all talk has naturally centered on Pezet’s arrival, Reynolds has also made waves with his openness about his own future. Having endured a stellar and physically punishing career, the assumption has long been that 2026 might mark his swansong in the NRL.
Yet Reynolds refused to categorically rule out playing beyond that season, admitting: “I won’t say ‘no’ to playing on, especially when I still love the footy, competing, and the camaraderie.”
At age 35, he’s well aware of the demands and toll. He admitted that he played the 2025 season carrying a calf complaint into the grand final, and that late in games wear and tear catches up. Yet he remains in admirable shape — 22 games in 2025 — and still feels he can contribute.
Reynolds stressed that the decision to continue or retire “can wait,” acknowledging the weight of legacy, physical wellbeing, team needs, family, and passion all factor in. For now, his immediate focus remains leading the Broncos, integrating new recruits, and helping guide his younger teammates — even as waves of speculation swirl.
The Peculiarity of Pezet’s Deal
To appreciate the full weight of Reynolds’ reaction, it’s worth unpacking the unique structure of Pezet’s contract:
Pezet was long contracted to Melbourne until 2029, but a clause in his deal allowed him to activate market options if Jahrome Hughes re-signed long-term (which is exactly what transpired).
With that clause triggered, Pezet became free to explore other clubs.
He will head to Parramatta for the 2026 season, pairing with Mitch Moses under coach Jason Ryles, before shifting to the Broncos for 2027 and beyond.
The deal is remarkable not just in its structure but in its implications: it effectively locks in Brisbane’s halves future years ahead while giving Pezet a stepping stone season in Sydney.
Such contracts are relatively rare and carry risks — for the clubs and the player. Brisbane must be confident in Pezet’s talent and character, while the Eels accept a short-term investment that ends abruptly. And for Reynolds, it’s a personal and team-wide shift he may only partially have anticipated.
Tensions, Legacy & Leadership
Reynolds’ shock confession and tentative openness about continuing create a nuanced dynamic:
1. Succession doesn’t always come with warning
A captain learning publicly that his longterm successor is being signed before his own exit signals the ruthless precision of elite sport. It reinforces that clubs—even ones with venerable culture like Brisbane—make bold moves regardless of individual legacies.
2. Leadership in transition
Reynolds must now act as both a leader and a transitional figure. He’ll need to mentor the impending replacement while still competing at a high level. His willingness to possibly play beyond 2026 suggests he sees this role through — even if that means overlapping with Pezet slightly, or managing limited minutes.
3. Personal pride & public messaging
By admitting surprise, Reynolds sets a tone of transparency — but also leaves room for questions. Observers will watch closely for how gracefully he transitions — whether he accepts a supporting role, limits his minutes, or bows out at a time of his own choosing.
4. Motivation & appetite
One cannot discount competitive fire. Reynolds clearly retains love for the game, and the chance to continue in a mentoring capacity, or to chase personal milestones (such as point-scoring records) might tempt him.
What Lies Ahead — for Reynolds, Broncos & Pezet
2026 might be Reynolds’ final full season
With Pezet set to arrive in 2027, and Hunt likely nearing the end of his career, 2026 could be a swan song year. But Reynolds’ conditional openness suggests he might find a role in 2027 (e.g. utility, bench, mentorship) if all aligns.
A generational shift for Brisbane
The Pezet signing indicates Brisbane sees a new spine emerging: Pezet, Mam, Walsh, perhaps a young hooker. Reynolds’ legacy becomes the hinge between eras.
Pezet’s adjustment & expectations
The leap from Melbourne’s system to Brisbane’s expectations will be scrutinised. He’ll need to hit the ground running, learn fast in 2026, and be ready to take command in 2027. Reynolds may well play a role in helping him integrate, depending on how long he stays.
Contractual & market implications
That such a complex deal was agreed to in 2025 will fuel discussion about future-dating, clause structures, and player movement rules across the NRL. Reactions already range from praise for strategic boldness to concern over loyalty or disruption.
In the end, Reynolds’ “stunning confession” is more than headline fodder — it opens a window into the realities of elite sport: ruthlessness in succession, the tension between legacy and future, and the personal challenge for a champion coming to terms with his final chapter.
As 2026 looms, all eyes will be on Reynolds’ body, mind, and messaging — and whether he opts to step aside gracefully or linger on to bridge the past and future of Broncos halfback play. With Pezet’s arrival already signed, the narrative arc is underway — and Reynolds, ever the battler, may yet have one more chapter left to write.
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