Radical Adam Reynolds-Luke Brooks player swap would solve Rabbitohs, Tigers troubles

Former NRL star Mark Geyer has suggested South Sydney and the Wests Tigers should consider swapping halfbacks next year to get both clubs out of a jam.

Adam Reynolds’ future at Redfern has been a hot topic as the Rabbitohs captain faces being shouldered out of the only club he’s ever played for because the Bunnies are reportedly not prepared to offer him a two-year deal.

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Reynolds, 30, wants a long-term contract when his current deal expires at the end of 2021 but so far has only been presented with a one-year offer, and reports suggest he will likely explore his options elsewhere on the open market if the two parties can’t meet in the middle.

Meanwhile, the scrutiny on Luke Brooks has increased after the Tigers’ diabolical 34-30 loss to North Queensland on Sunday. Playing at their spiritual home, Leichhardt Oval, and paying tribute to late Magpies legend Tommy Raudonikis, the Tigers were obliterated in an insipid first half that saw the Cowboys run in 28 points.

Brooks has never played a finals game in his eight years with the Tigers and critics have questioned whether the No. 7, on big money, is the right man to carry the joint-venture outfit forward, or whether halfback is even his best position.

Geyer said a player swap in 2022 would be a win for both clubs, giving Brooks a fresh start, Reynolds long-term security, the Tigers a quality playmaker and the Bunnies someone to fill the gap before the next generation is ready to step into first grade.

Brooks and the Tigers look like a stale combination.Source:Getty Images

Reynolds believes he has plenty of footy left in him.Source:Getty Images

“Here’s an idea, why don’t Souths and Tigers swap their halfbacks next year?” Geyer said on the Triple M Rush Hour. “I think (Brooks) would go good there (Souths), he would be fantastic there.

“He needs a new identity. When he was at his best he had (James) Tedesco, he had (Mitchell) Moses around him, his roommates. Ever since they’ve gone … yeah he got halfback of the year one year, but I thought this year with no Benji (Marshall), no Harry Grant, that this team would be his, but it’s far from it.

“It’s time for Madge (Tigers coach Michael Maguire) to wield the axe and cut the players that won’t be there long-term.”

Marshall may score fresh Rabbitohs deal

Meanwhile, if Reynolds and Souths part ways, the Sydney Morning Herald reports Benji Marshall could go around again in the cardinal and myrtle.

The 36-year-old was offered a one-year lifeline by the Rabbitohs after he was cut loose by the Tigers, and if Souths lose Reynolds, he may score himself another deal for 2022 to maintain experience and stability at Redfern, and to mentor up-and-coming halves Blake Taaffe and Lachlan Ilias.

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