Adam Reynolds credits advice from Wayne Bennett for keeping him at Brisbane when he was "very close" to joining Wests Tigers for his career swansong.
Bennett and Reynolds share a close bond from their time together at South Sydney as coach and captain. When the 35-year-old had a two-year offer on the table last year from Wests and the option of a one-year extension at Brisbane, he had a big decision to make.
Bennett's advice was centred on what was best for Reynolds and his family, along with his legacy at the Broncos as one of their greatest ever signings.
Reynolds, an acolyte of Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall, was wrestling with the decision before re-signing with Brisbane.
"I was very close to going," Reynolds told AAP.
"I played with Benji and I idolised him as a young kid. The Tigers are a team on the up and I had a lot to think about. I was tossing and turning between the two.
"I did lean on Wayne for advice and guidance.
"He encouraged me to stay here. He saw the value in that after what we've been able to change at the club the last couple of years to get some success. You always want to try and add to that."
Reynolds, who captained the Broncos to the title in 2025 after leading them to the 2023 decider, also has a young family and an opportunity to continue on as coach after his final season in 2026 as a player.
"I was just trying to work out what was best for me and my family," he said.
"It would have meant two years away from family (at Wests) and whether it was the right move post-football as well.
"There are other things outside of football that are important to me.
"It wasn't just Wayne. There were a few other people I leant on … but I have always admired and respected Wayne.
"He is a smart man who has seen and done it all. It just speaks volumes for the person he is.
"He has got a tough gig down there at Souths trying to get them back up the ladder but he has still got time for players."
Reynolds has his sights set on going back-to-back before transitioning into a coaching role under head mentor Michael Maguire.
"We have still got a point to prove and we are still chasing what we had last year," Reynolds said.
"We are still as hungry as ever to have a successful season.
"I'd love to (coach at Brisbane). It is a fantastic club.
"There are a lot of great players here and a lot of great young kids coming through the pathways system. To be able to help them out would be just as rewarding as it is playing."
