Johnathan Thurston has lauded the Brisbane Broncos for poaching Adam Reynolds, labelling his signing the best buy in the club's history.
Reynolds played for the South Sydney Rabbitohs from 2012 to 2021, at which point he was picked up by the Broncos under head coach Kevin Walters who took the reins at the same time.
The south-east Queensland team has been a force to be reckoned with since, having gone from wooden-spooners in 2021 to grand finalists this year.
READ MORE: Olympian, Dally M winner in 'match-up for the ages'
READ MORE: Collingwood downs Brisbane in epic grand final
READ MORE: Pies star wins top gong after beating cancer
"It's been a massive turnaround," said Thurston on Nine's Sports Sunday.
"Obviously Kevvie (Walters) getting Adam Reynolds there as well – they really lacked that general on the field to guide the young forward pack and outside backs around the field.
Watch the 2023 NRL grand final exclusively live and free on 9Now
"Having him there, he's certainly been the buy, I think, the best buy of the Broncos history. If he wins tonight, it'll be huge for his career."
Reynolds will be one of only two Broncos players alongside Kurt Capewell to have played in an NRL grand final.
That experience will be invaluable, according to Thurston, whose only worry is the early nerves they showed against the Warriors in the preliminary final a week ago.
"I thought the Broncos were a little bit nervous last week in that first 20 minutes," he added.
"I think if the Broncos can match the Panthers in that first 20 minutes then they've got opportunities to score points all over the park.
"Yeah, a little bit nervous in the first 20 last week so if they have that same impact tonight, the Panthers will make them pay."
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.