The ‘deep connection’ behind Madge’s unsurprising Broncos captaincy decision
Michael Maguire has confirmed that Adam Reynolds will be the Brisbane Broncos captain in 2025, ending speculation Patrick Carrigan could take the helm this season.
However, Carrigan will be part of a senior leadership group with Ben Hunt, Payne Haas and Kotoni Staggs, as the Broncos plot a return to the finals this season.
Maguire said he would wait until late in his first Broncos’ pre-season to make a call on the Brisbane captaincy, to give him time to get to know his players.
However, Reynolds was always favourite to land the role, after the pair’s history together at Souths.
The 34-year-old veteran has led the Broncos for the last three seasons for a total of 56 games of his 287 NRL game career.
The Broncos have won 34 and lost 22 of those games for a win percentage of 60.71, including one finals appearance and one Grand Final in 2023.
However, the Broncos struggled last season finishing 12th, with just 10 wins from 24 games, which led to the sacking of Kevin Walters after an end-of-season review.
Maguire was instilled as the Broncos’ new coach reuniting with his former Souths halfback he spent six seasons with from 2012 to 2017.
Maguire gave Reynolds his NRL debut in 2012 and the pair won a drought-breaking premiership with Souths in 2014.
“Broncos coach Michael Maguire has confirmed Adam Reynolds will remain Brisbane’s captain in 2025,” the Broncos said in a statement.
“Addressing the playing squad on Thursday, Maguire locked in his leadership group – with Ben Hunt joining Pat Carrigan, Payne Haas and Kotoni Staggs in a senior leader capacity.
“It’s the fourth consecutive year Reynolds will lead the squad, since arriving in Brisbane in 2022.”
“I’ve always said Reyno is a leader, and it’s very clear to me that this group of players really enjoy playing with him, but importantly – for him,” Maguire said.
“I’ve had a deep connection with Reyno for many years and am proud of his journey, and I know how hungry he is to keep leading from the front for this group.
“Everyone brings something different to the table in terms of the way they go about their business, that’s what makes special teams.
“The thing is – everyone should be a leader at this club, from the youngest to the oldest, through our behaviours and our actions every day.
“That needs to be our mindset moving forward.”
Reynolds said he was looking forward to continuing to lead the proud club in 2025.
“I love being captain of this club, it’s a great honour, and means a lot to myself and my family. It feels like home now,” Reynolds said.
“For me, it’s never been about having the C next to my name, it’s about being there for my teammates, getting them around the park, and taking a lot of that mental load.
“I feel like it’s gone full circle with Madge, he obviously gave me my debut jersey and now, I’m a little older, but he’s still showing faith in me to continue as captain, and as a person.
“We’ve got a really strong group of senior players here, and having Hunty as part of that now is huge.
“There’s still plenty of work to do, but we hope our Members and fans are as excited as we are to get stuck into the season and play some footy.”