Rabbitohs star halfback Adam Reynolds has long been in the peripheries of representative football selectors and he found success prior to 2016 in City Origin, All Stars and Prime Minister's XIII squads. Season 2016 would see Reynolds burst onto the representative stage through selection as halfback for Laurie Daley's NSW Blues Origin team complimenting his success in leading the World All Stars to victory early in the year.
Reynolds was a late replacement for Trent Hodkinson in the Rugby League All Stars clash early this year. He was vital in steering the World All Stars to a 12-8 win over the Indigenous All Stars through his pinpoint kicking.
Bouyed with confidence Reynolds dominated the opening fixture of our 2016 campaign as he decimated a Roosters side with two try assists and forcing several line drop-outs in his squad's big 42-10 victory. However, a broken jaw in the 58th minute of the clash would put a stop to Reynolds early season dominance and sideline the maestro until Round 7.
Returning to meet back-to-back fixtures in Queensland against the Broncos and Cowboys it took until our Round 10 clash with the Eels that we would see some classic Reynolds magic. With the game in the balance in the dying minutes Adam was called upon to slot a difficult conversion in front of a hostile crowd to win the game - a conversion that never looked like missing.
Deceptively strong and never one to shy from a physical battle, Reynolds found himself often in the thick of defensive work - making 333 tackles with 29 made in 1:1 scenarios and one try-saving tackle.
Likely due to his defensive courage, in late May the Rabbitohs halfback got his long awaited chance to play on one of the biggest stages in the NRL - Reynolds was selected in Laurie Daley's NSW Blues Origin squad. He went on to play in two State of Origin matches, missing the third after succumbing to a shoulder injury suffered in Game II.
After another, shorter stint on the sidelines Reynolds was crucial in the Rabbitohs fight back to regain their form in clashes with the Storm, Warriors, Sharks, Knights and Bulldogs. The Round 23 clash against the Warriors showcasing the devasting impact of Reynolds kicking game as he assisted several tries and put on several repeat sets.
In 1169 minutes of NRL, Reynolds recorded 2 tries, 12 assists, kicked 43 goals and made 4815 metres from his kicking in open play.
Adam Reynolds showcased moments of brilliance but injuries prevented the skillful half from building momentum that would greatly influence the Rabbitohs and the NSW Blues. With another opportunity to establish himself in representative cirles in 2017 it is likely Reynolds will be hard at work in pre-season to ensure the body and mind are right to perform to his full potential.
