Brisbane Broncos’ Adam Reynolds reveals player-driven punishment for off-field incident
Broncos captain Adam Reynolds explained that the decision to ax winger Josiah Karapani was a player-induced penalty and that neither player was above the standards they had decided to set.
Despite being one of Brisbane’s best performers so far this season, Karapani will miss Saturday’s clash with the Gold Coast Titans after being fined and charged with public nuisance following an altercation with nightclub patrons in Fortitude Valley.
The incident occurred hours after his team’s 26-12 victory over the Dolphins, and the flyer also prompted a month-long Safe Night Zone ban.
Coach Michael Maguire has created a zero-tolerance mentality for off-field indiscretions, with Gehamat Shibasaki leaving the team last year after arriving at training still affected by alcohol, despite being the Broncos’ breakout star of 2025.
Reynolds was adamant that the stance must continue regardless of the culprit, stressing that Karapani’s actions “fell below team standards”.
“I think it is important for everyone to know the standards and culture of this club that we have set. [are] “He’s above any player or anyone in this organization,” he said.
“Everyone needs to participate, otherwise you risk being away from the team for a period of time. It’s a culture we’ve built here over a period of time… it’s about trying to eliminate situations like this in the future.”
“He is fully aware of the mistakes he made – he genuinely apologizes to the group – and I’m sure he won’t make that mistake again. Team culture comes first.”
Jesse Arthars will replace Karapani on the wing for the first time in the NRL since round 27 last year, when he replaced Shibasaki.
Deine Mariner will also move from centre-back to outfield to fill the void left by the injured Grant Anderson, who suffered an MCL problem (knee) while fracturing his tibia plateau (shin), with Shibasaki returning to the starting side.
“Jesse obviously missed the end of last year and the first part of this season. He didn’t whine or move on, he just went about his business and was super professional about training and taking care of himself outside of the game,” Reynolds said.
While the average age of the Brisbane squad is still around 26, around half have played fewer than 50 NRL games.
Reynolds’ retirement at the end of the season will take away his 300-plus game experience in the squad, while Payne Haas will head to South Sydney.
Broncos veteran Ben Hunt said many in Red Hill are still getting used to the “fishbowl” nature of being a Bronco.
“This is a huge club and it’s still a one-club town in a way. I know the Dolphins are here at the moment, but there’s a lot of light on this club,” Hunt said.
“If you go out and make a mistake, you get found out, so there are some kids who are still trying to learn some lessons and Kara is one of them.
“Kara knows he made a mistake and we talked to him about it. He understands that and takes responsibility for it and as a club and the leadership group we thought it was best for him not to play this week as he has received some suspension.”
“He’s a good kid. He came to practice this week and worked as hard as he could, so he’ll keep working hard and get back out there in a while.”
The interest shown by the club has partially increased Hunt’s desire to play after the expiration of his 2026 contract, now 36 years old.
Hookers Cory Paix and Blake Mozer have contracts until 2028 and 2027 respectively, while Hunt believed he still had an important leadership role to play once Reynolds hung up his boots.
“I feel good at this stage and I’m pretty keen to play,” Hunt said.
“Obviously we’re losing two great leaders of this club. They’re not only great players on the pitch, they’re leaders at the club. They’ve been here for a long time and they know what it means to be a professional rugby league player.”
“Losing guys like that will definitely come at a huge cost.”
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