"Botched it": Broncos slammed for Reynolds debacle

The Broncos have absolutely botched the end of Adam Reynolds’ career following an apparent club decision to deny the legends a farewell game.

It is understood that Reynolds had wanted a home ground farewell at Suncorp Stadium this week in the Broncos clash against the Storm, but was not made available for selection.

He subsequently announced he had played his final game of NRL and that his non-selection was made by the coach and medical staff and that he felt he was fit to play.

Then came a backflip 24 hours later when Reynolds said the backlash against the club and Michal Maguire had been “blown out of proportion”.

The saga has left numerous experts and former players furious with the apparent disrespect towards a legend of the game.

“Did he make the decision or was he told he wasn’t playing,” Greg Alexander said incredibly fired up on SEN 1170 Breakfast.

“The fact he referred to his coach and the medical staff as “they” and then he said ‘I've got to respect that decision’ makes you think he wanted to play and was told he wasn’t.

”Things were not taken out of context. What he said tells me he didn’t make the call. Obviously, he thought he could get through the game. Tuesday, he said it was his decision not to play. Was he pushed or did he jump? I've got no idea what is going on.

“The Broncos botched this completely. Whether is was Reynolds being compliant or not we don’t know. But if the GM and CEO didn’t say to him on Monday ‘lets be careful around our messaging’.

“The media re sniping at Madge and he’s opened the door for everyone else to have another go.

“The stories written and comments made were justified. Reynolds didn’t shut it down.

“He didn’t come out and say ‘we decided I wouldn’t get through the game so we decided I wouldn’t play’.

“Has he been living under a rock? Why did he not shut it down. He’s opened the door for a pile on.

“I have got no idea what is going on up there.”

Alexander’s sentiments were echoed by former Bronco Corey Parker who played 347 games for the club.

“Whether you’re buying what Adam is saying or not, my young fella asked what the story was, I told him he was retiring but that now he’s not playing,” he said on SENQ Breakfast.

“What should have happened is he should have said he was playing for the last time.

“Whether you like it or dislike it, I feel it could have been handled much differently to what it was.

“He will be remembered; there will be a send off at the stadium I have no doubt. The next couple of days I think we will see a lot more happening.”