South Sydney Coach Michael Maguire has sung the praises of Rabbitohs and incumbent NSW VB Blues halfback Adam Reynolds, as the short-statured scrumhalf stood tall in the pressure moment to kick his side to a 1-point win over the Panthers on Friday night.
With the scores locked at 20 and under a minute remaining on the clock, the Rabbitohs turned their point of attack to the trusted right boot of Reynolds, as the 26-year-old slotted the decisive field goal to earn his side a vital pair of competition points.
“The preparations that these guys are doing week in, week out, allows them to get through situations like that,” Maguire said.
“I was very pleased with Adam’s finish there, he’s done a lot of work around that area to make sure that when those times come, he comes up with the right play.
“For any kicker, it’s something they need to practice a lot of the time, and obviously, Adam is doing a fair bit of that.”
Reynolds’ one-pointer was all that split the Panthers and Rabbitohs, who each crossed for three converted tries, and a penalty goal to boot.
A gift penalty late in the contest had worked South Sydney into attacking field position, and presented the two-time Blues halfback with an opportunity to strike – a chance which he didn’t hand up.
“I’m pleased for Adam to get that field goal there, like ‘Madge’ (Maguire) said, he puts a lot of practice in, and people don’t see that so it was good to see him get one out on the field tonight,” said Rabbitohs captain, Sam Burgess.
“It was a good team effort tonight, but I thought the halves were very, very good.”
