Adam Reynolds cops crushing blow in surprise call on Brisbane Broncos captaincy for 2025
A recent survey conducted by Yahoo Sport Australia, polling close to 20,000 readers, has brought an interesting development to light among Brisbane Broncos fans: Patrick Carrigan is their preferred choice for the team’s next captain, surpassing current captain Adam Reynolds in popularity. Despite these numbers, new head coach Michael Maguire has firmly dismissed rumors of an impending captaincy change, ensuring that Reynolds remains in the leadership position at least for the 2025 season. This decision comes even as fan speculation and media debate continue to heat up, sparking discussions about the Broncos’ future direction.
Fan calls for a leadership change date back to a difficult period in the 2024 season when the Broncos suffered an especially tough home defeat. That loss intensified scrutiny around Reynolds’ leadership, particularly when the team ended the season in a disappointing 12th place on the ladder. Club legend Gorden Tallis was among those who spoke out, suggesting that the team might benefit from fresh leadership in the form of Carrigan. Tallis’ suggestion seems to echo a growing sentiment among fans, who, according to the poll, have expressed a 42% preference for Carrigan over Reynolds, who captured 39% of the vote.
The poll results paint a picture of a divided fan base but with a clear preference for Carrigan. Payne Haas, another prominent name in the Broncos lineup, came in third with 8% of the votes, while only 3% of fans cast their votes for young star Reece Walsh. An additional 8% favored “someone else,” signaling a general appetite for a shake-up at the helm of the Broncos. This desire for change, evident from the poll, may pose an interesting challenge for Maguire as he balances fan expectations with his own vision for the club’s leadership.
Tallis, who is widely respected for his insights as a former player and club icon, spoke openly about the Broncos’ leadership issues back in July, pointing to Reynolds’ inability to step up during pivotal moments. “I think the team is lacking leadership,” Tallis remarked. Reflecting on a game against the Bulldogs, he explained, “On Saturday, somebody needed to stand up and put a stake in the ground… (Reynolds) didn’t do it, and in the grand final, he didn’t get them home either.” He went on to compare Reynolds unfavorably with Allan Langer, a former Broncos captain known for his spirited leadership and relentless effort on the field. Tallis suggested that if Reynolds can’t fulfill the high expectations of the captaincy, Carrigan might be a natural choice to step into that role.
For now, however, Maguire has made it clear that he has no plans to strip Reynolds of the captaincy. The coach, who has a long-standing connection with Reynolds dating back to their time together at South Sydney, underscored his confidence in the seasoned halfback’s leadership abilities. “I don’t have any reason to replace Reynolds as captain,” Maguire stated. He further praised Reynolds as a proven “winner” with the experience and resilience to lead the Broncos through challenging times. Maguire’s strong endorsement of Reynolds’ leadership, especially considering their shared success at Souths, demonstrates his commitment to stability and his belief in Reynolds’ ability to guide the team forward.
Reynolds, for his part, has responded to the rumors with characteristic determination. He recently reiterated that he remains “100 percent” committed to captaining the Broncos in 2025, which he has announced will be his final season before retirement. This statement reflects his dedication to the club and signals his intention to make a lasting impact as captain before he steps away from the game. Interestingly, Carrigan, the fans’ favored candidate, has also backed Reynolds to remain as skipper, emphasizing the veteran’s unique influence and respect within the team. “People that know him as a leader and the influence he has on the club, it’s second to none, and he should be skipper of our team,” Carrigan commented, showing a sense of loyalty and admiration for Reynolds despite the ongoing speculation.
While the focus remains on Reynolds and Carrigan, Maguire has hinted at another potential candidate for the captaincy down the line: Payne Haas. The coach has highlighted Haas’ leadership qualities, which he observed firsthand during the State of Origin series. “We all know what an incredible person he is, but I feel that he can lift the group – I saw him do it with the Origin team,” Maguire noted. He elaborated on Haas’ role within the Origin leadership group, suggesting that his presence and energy could be invaluable to the Broncos in a leadership capacity someday. This subtle endorsement positions Haas as a potential future leader, perhaps after Reynolds retires.
For the Broncos organization, the question of who should wear the captain’s armband in 2025 and beyond touches on deeper issues around team identity, cohesion, and the balance between experience and fresh perspectives. The choice of captain, especially in a high-stakes sport like rugby league, can influence team dynamics both on and off the field. As the Broncos work toward re-establishing themselves as title contenders, fans, players, and management alike are eager for a leader who can guide them toward consistent success.
Looking forward, Maguire’s decision to retain Reynolds could be viewed as a commitment to stability and experience, while fans’ support for Carrigan reflects an interest in fresh leadership and perhaps a new era for the Broncos. Meanwhile, Haas’ potential as a future captain introduces another dynamic layer to the club’s long-term planning. Ultimately, the captaincy debate within the Broncos fan base and organization is just one part of a broader effort to redefine the team’s path forward. Whether Reynolds, Carrigan, or eventually Haas leads the Broncos in the coming years, the decision will carry weight not only for the players but also for a passionate fan base eager to see their team rise once more.
