The Rabbitohs are reportedly eager to bid farewell to former star Adam Reynolds during their last home game of the NRL season. The retiring player has been invited to make an appearance. Broncos fans expressed disappointment over how the club handled Reynolds' farewell last week, finding the halfback's retirement celebrations lackluster.
Due to a calf injury, the premiership-winner missed the chance to say goodbye to fans during the final home match, leading supporters to feel frustrated since the Broncos are out of finals contention.
Additionally, Reynolds' pre-game farewell, which included several departing teammates, faced criticism after a KIA advertisement accidentally played during their lap of honour. Brisbane supporters felt saddened by the way the club recognized Reynolds, who will be remembered as a Broncos great.
However, the Rabbitohs want to pay tribute to the halfback this weekend during Old Boys Day. Reynolds played 231 games for South Sydney and won the NRL title in 2014 with them. According to reporters Brent Read and Michael Carayannis, the Rabbitohs plan to honor Reynolds in Sydney.
Although he will not be playing, Reynolds will travel with the Broncos to Sydney on Thursday for their match against the Bulldogs. This allows him to stay an extra day for the Rabbitohs game against the Roosters at Allianz Stadium, where he has been invited to participate in the ceremony. As a South Sydney junior, Reynolds is considered a club legend and fans support the idea of honoring him properly.
After his farewell speech following the Broncos' loss to the Storm, Reynolds sought to clarify some comments made that day. He did not thank current coach Michael Maguire during the speech, but later took to social media to express his respect for Maguire.
"I missed the opportunity to thank my teammates, my family, everyone at the Rabbitohs, and the many coaches and people who have played such a big part in my career," he wrote. "I'll have plenty of time to thank all of those people properly in the days and weeks to come."
"I also want to make one thing clear - Madge and I are all good. 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 an 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."