Maroons greats Darren Lockyer and Wally Lewis have named Adam Reynolds as the Nathan Cleary replacement Queensland will fear most in game two.
NSW coach Brad Fittler has a massive decision on his hands after Cleary was ruled out of game two with a hamstring injury at the weekend.
Reynolds, 32, has been a key cog in the Broncos’ surge up the ladder since joining the club from Souths last season, but has not represented his state since 2016 where he made two appearances, both in losing efforts.
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However, Lockyer suggested that Reynolds’ experience playing on Suncorp Stadium with the Broncos could prove vital for the Blues.
“If I look at the players in contention there’s one guy (who) stands out that’s played in multiple grand finals, won a grand final, played in a grand final at this ground, and that’s Adam Reynolds,” he told Wide World of Sports’ QLDER.
“If I wanted to know the person putting on that No.7 jersey is ready and capable and knows what it’s all about … it would be Adam.
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“It’s not a knock on the others. I just think from a NSW perspective it’s the toughest assignment for them – coming to Suncorp to try and win.
“Let’s see which way they go, but I’d be surprised if they didn’t go for someone they know is tried and proven, not on this stage, but at that level.
“He’s the closest to Nathan Cleary they’ve got.
Lockyer was backed up by Lewis, who said it would be “madness for NSW not to select” the Broncos halfback.
“His performances for the Broncos have been fantastic,” Lewis told QLDER.
“He’d probably see this as a game to go back to Suncorp, even though he’s going to be on the enemy, and pull out the game of his life to upset the crowd knowing that he’ll have them back on board the next time he plays there for the Broncos.
“He’s one of the guys, especially with the experience he boasts at the moment and the way that he is so consistent, I think it’d be madness for NSW not to select him.
“I think it’ll just be a common sense decision for them.”
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