Adam Reynolds ruled out of Broncos debut despite passing COVID return protocols

Prized recruit Adam Reynolds has been ruled out of making his NRL debut for Brisbane in the Broncos’ season opener against his old club South Sydney on Friday.

Reynolds tested positive for COVID-19 last week and, despite passing the NRL’s return-to-play protocols, won’t be risked by Broncos coach Kevin Walters at Suncorp Stadium.

“We back our club’s medical advice 100 per cent and that advice is that asking Adam to play is too much of a risk to his health so soon after being diagnosed with COVID,” he said.

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“At the end of the day, this is just one game - a big game, yes, but just one game in a Broncos career that will see Adam play many great games for our club.”

It means Walters will hand his 28-year-old son Billy his club debut alongside veteran playmaker Albert Kelly in the halves.

Broncos hooker Cory Paix is out with COVID-19, with Tyrone Roberts brought on to the bench for his first NRL game since 2020.

This year, clubs have been allowed to expand their extended squads from 21 to 24 should players be ruled out with COVID-19 in the days before kick-off.

Souths will hand the No.7 jersey to Lachlan Ilias - the man seen as Reynolds’ long-term replacement - for just his second NRL game.

Reynolds is not the only big-name halfback to be absent for round one with Penrith resting 2021 premiership-winning captain Nathan Cleary for Thursday’s game against Manly after his off-season shoulder surgery.

Sean O’Sullivan will instead partner Jarome Luai in the Panthers’ halves.

Cronulla have chosen Matt Moylan as Nicho Hynes’ halves partner for their trip to face Canberra on Friday.

Dale Finucane will captain the Sharks on his club debut but the Raiders will be