On My Own Terms: From Redfern to glory: A journey of resilience, grit and finding your voice

by Adam Reynolds

Redfern grit, Rabbitohs glory, Broncos pride – Adam Reynolds breaks his silence.

Adam Reynolds is a rugby league icon whose journey began in the heart of Redfern and took him all the way to the top of the NRL. From humble beginnings, Adam grew up surrounded by community, struggle and the relentless rhythm of footy being played on every corner. 

In this gritty and powerful memoir, Adam shares his rise from a working-class kid with big dreams for a football career, to becoming a premiership-winning playmaker for the South Sydney Rabbitohs, and now captain of the Brisbane Broncos, the NRL’s most supported club. He opens up like never before about the pressure of leading two of the game’s most iconic teams, the heartbreak of his controversial Rabbitohs exit, and the rollercoaster ride that followed.
 
For the first time, Adam reveals the personal battles behind the headlines – his family’s hidden struggles, the marital crisis that nearly broke him, and how legendary coach Wayne Bennett helped pull him back from the brink. He also sets the record straight on that infamous fight with a teammate on the eve of flying to Vegas.
 
Full of raw emotion, humour and unforgettable moments, this is a story about identity, loyalty and the unbreakable bond between a player and the game that gave him everything.
 

Genres: Biography, Audiobook, Autobiography

277 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 28, 2025

Reviews

[Bree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing! I thoroughly enjoyed learning about Adam both personally and professionally. Have always been a huge fan of his, so this was a great read. He is such a humble, honest and kind person. I love reading about the family man that he is and a huge shout out to his wife, Tallara for sharing her story too - this was so emotional to read and yet, so brave and inspiring. They clearly both make a wonderful team. Wonderful book, Reynolds! Well done 👍

[Tianna Cossettini]

<3 Adam

[Troy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book of Adams inside life story. I hope more NRL players take the chance to write a autobiography, always so interesting to see the inside of the game and players lives.

[Emma Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so wholesome 🥰

Adam speaks about his family, friends, teammates, colleagues and coaches in such a respectful way that it makes you really understand why he is so respected in the NRL.

There were moments I was in stitches (Wayne Bennett’s mic drop moment 🤣) and moments when I felt the pain and emotion of his personal struggles.

The way this book is written is unlike most memoirs I’ve read. It really just felt like we were having a conversation between mates, talking about life over a few cold ones 🍺

[Jaaackles · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a panthers fan, but something about this book intrigued me to read. Adam did not always have it easy and it was really insightful into not only his game but his life. The way he speaks so highly of those who are in his life - family, friends, coaches etc. you can tell he is thankful for every opportunity and person that helped shape his game to where he is today. It topped it off that the foreword was written by Wayne Bennett.
Great to see another kid from Sydney make it big👏🏼👏🏼

[Ron Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a lover of the game of rugby league and, since my high school years I have been a supporter of South Sydney football club. I am proud of my working-class roots and bring these to my enthusiasm for this sport. I played rugby league as a schoolboy. I clearly remember how the school rugby union team was of mediocre ability but were glorified by the school hierarchy while the undefeated league team, of which I was a member, was kept in the shadows. I was also conscious that in the broader field of Eastern Australia rugby union could be defined as the Liberal Party at play (They are now aligned as two of this country’s great failures). I have been a to a few union games, but not having the sports jacket with the thin leather elbow patches, I always felt out of place.

I enjoyed reading this book, Reynolds mentioned tries, tackles and games that I attended. As I read, I would pull out my phone and view incidents on YouTube that he mentioned.

Adam Reynolds was a true local to South Sydney having been born, raised and played in the South Sydney area. He had the wish to be a one club player, but as he explains this was not to happen.
There is a high degree of honesty and integrity in what Reynold’s writes. He is public about his relationships with his four coaches, especially Wayne Bennett. He writes of his love for his family and the dramas that his wife’s substance abuse caused. He mentions many of the players he has played with and the friendships he has made. He writes of the joy of winning the 2014 premiership and the disappointment of sideline kick that he missed in 2021 grand final against Penrith.

He sets aside a chapter to discuss his tattoos. I am afraid I would line up with Wayne Bennett with his attitude to this form of skin graffiti!

He is forthright about his wish to stay with Souths with a minimum two-year contract, but the buffoons running the club had other ideas. And haven’t they been proven to be so wrong? The decision to let Reynolds go is undeniably the stupidest decision Souths’ management have ever made. Still Reynolds’ move to Brisbane has been an outstanding success for him and the Broncos club. Sadly, the book ends before Reynolds’ leading Brisbane to a premiership winning performance in October 2025. I did wonder why he wrote this book at this stage of his career. All indications from him are that 2026 will be his final year in the NRL.

As the book concludes Reynolds mentioned his wish to pursue a coaching career in the game. That wish will be interesting to follow. An enjoyable read.

[Leeanne McHarg · Rating 4 out of 5]

On My Own Terms was an interesting and engaging listen. It offers a rare look behind the headlines and inside the club walls, giving listeners a deeper understanding of Adam Reynolds’ world. He’s open and honest about both his personal life and professional journey, striking a nice balance between serious moments and genuinely funny stories.

I really enjoyed hearing about the teams he’s played with and the coaches he’s worked under—it was fascinating insight into the game and the personalities that shape it. His reflections on the ups and downs of his career feel authentic, and it’s clear he’s determined to do things on his own terms.

Overall, a great listen for fans who want more than just the on-field action.

[Hazy Benjamin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Rugby League player shares his journey with honesty and heart. His willingness to be vulnerable and speak openly about the challenges he’s faced is truly inspirational. I also admire how he confronts past scandals directly, rather than avoiding them—his honesty adds depth to the story. A must read for League fans.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I lived the rawness and the honesty. I applauded the small i sights into not only his personal struggles and triumphs but his wife and family, friends, team mates and mentors.
Whilst at times it felt a bit repetitive it still held my attention to keep reading.
It left me wanting more biographies from players that he mentioned in the book.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed learning how Reyno got to where he is and the insights he gave into various events that have happened throughout his career. Especially with him narrating his own story!
Being a recent release, I wish there was another chapter covering the 2025 Grand Final result, as we Broncos fans are so grateful that he managed to achieve what he set out to do when signing with Brisbane.

[Sarah Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10. I really enjoyed reading this from Adam’s words himself. It gave me such a respect towards him and truly enjoyed reading all his journeys along the way. I liked it wasn’t always about Adam, but he spoke about the people around him. I’m so glad he got to win a GrandFinal with the Broncos this year!! Great read 😊

[skycanread · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a footy head & bronx member, most of the time I already knew what he was talking about. In saying that, it’s so interesting reading about the behind the scenes stuff and conversations with the legends.

[Mitch Gregory · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a pretty sweet year when your favourite player wins the premiership, then caps it off by releasing an autobiography.

A great read, punchy and entertaining - everything I want in a sporting biography. Fingers crossed for a sequel when he's a head coach, a few years down the line.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this autobiography of Adam Reynolds. I admittedly didn’t know a huge amount about him and found his story great.

[Alycia Vidler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

[Lili · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOW GOOD IS RUGBY LEEEAAAAGUE

but really I love the NRL, love Adam, loved this book

ADAM OF YOU'RE READING THIS DO A SIGNING AT CHERMSIDE OKAY THANKS BESTIE

[Clair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five Stars because I just bloody love him!

[Cazz Randall · Rating 5 out of 5]

love this guy

[Sam Langdon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read