The Brisbane Broncos' signing of Adam Reynolds in 2022 was meant to mark a new era for the team, bringing on the longtime Rabbitohs halfback to thrust their squad back in to title contention.
For a while, it looked like it was working, with Reynolds and the Broncos making it all the way to the grand final in 2023, and coming within 30 minutes and a Nathan Cleary masterpiece of claiming the trophy.
But father team is undefeated, and as the team missed out on the top eight in 2024, Reynolds played just 13 games due to injury, during the year he turned 34.
With one year remaining on his deal, it might be time for Brisbane to start working on a replacement for the former Origin star - but who?
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Who will succeed Adam Reynolds as next Broncos halfback?
The Broncos have a number of options for who they wish to inherit the number seven jersey once Reynolds moves on, inlcuding a current star in Ezra Mam who at one point seemed as if he was being groomed for the occasion.
Then there's Sam Walker, the Sydney Roosters rising star that the Broncos reportedly had massive interest in bringing back to his home state.
But according to Broncos legend and current director Darren Lockyer, the team has still not found it's solution, with neither of these players properly fitting the bill as of right now.
"I think Ezra is very much a player that plays what's in front of him, he's not an organising player," Lockyer told Wide World of Sports' QLDER.
"I think Jarome Luai this year, when he had to go to seven he was really impressive, but he's got a few more years' experience under his belt.
"I think Ezra maybe in the long term is an option, but in the short term no.
"Sam's a quality player, and I feel like the Roosters without Sam can't win the premiership," Lockyer said.
"He's getting better with every year and every game of experience.
"The salary cap probably restricts you from bringing someone like that to the club at the moment, because he's demanding big money.
"He's already got a decent offer on the table from the Roosters, even though it's well below what he's asking.
"The Broncos at the moment would not be in the market, could not afford that type of player."
