Broncos captain Adam Reynolds sidelined with back pain

Brisbane skipper Adam Reynolds will miss Saturday night’s clash with North Queensland with a back problem and will start the NRL season with no game time under his belt.

Taking no chances with his talismanic halfback and leader, Brisbane manager Kevin Walters said Reynolds is on track to play defending Premier Penrith in the club’s March 3 season opener.

Reynolds completed Tuesday’s training session at camp at Twin Waters Resort on the Sunshine Coast without a problem before waking up Wednesday morning with a sore back.

“Adam ran well yesterday, including some extras, but this morning his back is a bit strained so he won’t be practicing for the main session today, which means he won’t be playing the Cowboys,” Walters said.

“We want him to be cherry-ripe for the first round and he’s moving really well after a big preseason so there’s no point in taking chances with him in an audition under the circumstances.”

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Reynolds, 32, hasn’t fully trained at every session with the Broncos this preseason. He has been seen doing his own individual work and interfering with the team.

Reynolds’ absence has opened the door for former Wests Tigers playmaker Jock Madden to wear the No. 7 jersey in the NRL Pre-Season Challenge showdown at Sunshine Coast Stadium.

Madden was unavailable for Sunday’s 24-all draw against the Gold Coast with a minor hamstring strain. He will join Ezra Mam in the halves in an early shootout for the No. 6 jersey this year.