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These three men have all captained the Broncos, worn the club\u2019s No. 7 jersey, and won 11 premierships between them. For now….<\/p>\n
Adam Reynolds has the chance to emulate Allan Langer and Kevin Walters by leading the Brisbane powerhouse to a premiership on Sunday.<\/p>\n
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Trio of winners: Adam Reynolds, Allan Langer and Kevin Walters at Wednesday\u2019s Dally Ms.<\/span>Credit: <\/span>Tim Cossens\/Broncos Media<\/cite><\/p>\n Langer did it four times. Walters won six premierships, including five at the Broncos, and his last, in 2000, was captain and halfback.<\/p>\n Like Langer and Walters, Reynolds is a master at guiding a team around the park and a natural leader – but even better at keeping the spirits high among the playing group.<\/p>\n Why South Sydney were happy to cut the playmaker loose has been a big talking point this week.<\/p>\n Reynolds, who won the 2014 premiership with Souths, is contracted until the end of 2024, but is likely to go around again in 2025 before eyeing a career in coaching.<\/p>\n Langer said there was one thing that had stood out the most when it came to his cheeky sparring partner this year.<\/p>\n \u201cI just think Adam has really got back to enjoying his footy again,\u201d Langer said. \u201cThe enjoyment he gets out of being a part of it all, and seeing these young guys come on, I\u2019m sure he\u2019d relish an extra year [in 2025].<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s been the best thing for the club. He\u2019s the playmaker we\u2019ve been looking for. He\u2019s relished living in Queensland. He\u2019s your typical halfback, cheeky, he gives it to me, but we both love having a good time.\u201d<\/p>\n Walters can still remember flying to Sydney with chief executive Dave Donaghy in 2021 to convince Reynolds to make the move north.<\/p>\n Little generals: Adam Reynolds and Allan Langer at training on Tuesday<\/span>Credit: <\/span>Tertius Pickard\/SMH<\/cite><\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m really proud he\u2019s running out in a grand final with the Broncos,\u201d Walters said. \u201cThat was plan when we hired him \u2013 he was hired gun at the time \u2013 he\u2019s fallen in love with us, and we\u2019ve fallen in love with him. He\u2019s just had that calming influence on the whole team.\u201d<\/p>\n It is safe to say Reynolds, Walters and especially Langer will never have to buy a beer in the Queensland capital again, especially if they defeat the Panthers.<\/p>\n Reynolds has always spoken fondly of Walters, and knew what to expect with Langer after seeing and listening to his banter with Wayne Bennett while coach at Souths.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2018Alf\u2019 still rings Wayne and terrorises him on a daily basis,\u201d Reynolds said. \u201cI\u2019ve always been cheeky and like to have fun. Alf is a joker himself, so it was never hard to hit it off.<\/p>\n \u201cThe game has changed so much since Alf played, so we don\u2019t really talk about tactical things. It\u2019s more about making sure there\u2019s passion and mateship [within the group].\u201d<\/p>\n Reynolds has been careful not to pot Souths for only offering him a one-year extension.<\/p>\n Souths fan Jeremy Shannon was impossible to miss at Thursday\u2019s NRL grand final launch at the Overseas Passenger Terminal, decked out in Souths clothes, but waving a Broncos flag, and chanting Reynolds\u2019 name.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was so sad to see Adam leave the Rabbitohs, but he had to do what was right for him and his family moving forward,\u201d Shannon said.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s just shown he wasn\u2019t past his use-by date. I was there in 2014 to watch Souths lift the shield, and fingers crossed Adam can do it again on Sunday night with the Broncos. Go Reyno.\u201d<\/p>\n Watch the NRL Grand Final Exclusive Live and Free on Channel 9 and <\/i><\/b>9Now<\/i><\/b>.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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