Bennett’s Reynolds warning for Rabbitohs
South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett has backed the club’s position to only offer halfback Adam Reynolds a one-year deal but warns it could result in Reynolds leaving for a better opportunity.
A day after Reynolds’ manager Steve Gillis conceded the premiership-winning halfback could depart if the club doesn’t offer him a bigger deal, Bennett weighed in urging both parties to make a decision.
The Rabbitohs have offered their No.7 a one-year deal, but the playmaker wants more for financial security.
Souths’ stance prompted Reynolds’ manager Gillis to declare: “Unless Souths reassess their position, I don’t envisage Adam will be there in 2022.”
Adam Reynolds wants a longer deal at South Sydney. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images.Source:Getty Images
Bennett understands both player and club are putting their business interests first, but one will have to relinquish to achieve an outcome.
“The club has got a position, he has got a position, so they have got to work it out between them,” Bennett said.
“I’ll back both of them if they are going to hold their position. Full credit to them, but one of them is going to have to make a decision that suits the other.
“It’s tough, but the club has got a position with it as well and they have got to sort it out.
“It is just the situation.
“The club wants Adam to stay, and they’ve made him an offer, and he has to make a decision whether he is happy with that offer or not, and if he isn’t then he looks at other opportunities.
“That is how it works these days.”
Reynolds’ future has dominated headlines for weeks, but Bennett said his halfback was handling the outside noise.
He also confirmed the No.7 is fit to face the Sydney Roosters on Friday night after suffering a concussion against Manly last weekend.
“He (Adam) has done all his tests and passed all his protocols, and he feels good,” he said.
“He has been happy and enjoying his footy.
“He knows the better he plays, the more he is going to be wanted.”
The South Sydney Rabbitohs versus Sydney Roosters rivalry is the NRL’s oldest and best. Picture: Digital image by Robb Cox NRL PhotosSource:Supplied
Bennett has been around the rugby league block a few times, but he feels like a rookie in the excitement stakes when it comes to the Rabbitohs versus Roosters rivalry.
He believes the traditional Sydney stoush, which dates to the game’s foundation year in 1908, is proof of the passion for league in the Harbour City.
The love for league in Sydney is why Bennett would love to see the city’s nine teams placed in conferences to maximise exposure and crowds.
“I think they should play in conferences and I’ve always said that,” he said.
“I think Sydney does itself a great disservice not playing each other home and away regularly because that is what the fans here in Sydney want.
“It is a national league, but they also embrace the club rivalry, and unless you are living in Sydney you don’t realise how strong it is.
“I love it – the rivalry – it is what people outside of Sydney don’t get about Sydney – the genuine rivalry between the clubs here.”
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