South Sydney coach Michael Maguire is refusing to rubber-stamp rookie Adam Reynolds as his starting halfback for the 2012 NRL season.

Reynolds impressed in his maiden outing as a first-grade player in Saturday’s 34-28 defeat by Super League side Warrington in Souths’ opening trial at Redfern Oval and was widely expected to start in the first NRL fixture against Sydney Roosters on March 5.

After a slow start, as the tourists racked up an 18-0 lead in the opening 15 minutes, Reynolds booted two 40-20 kicks, one with his first touch, and helped orchestrate his side’s comeback from a 24-0 deficit.

Maguire was pleased with Reynolds’ contribution, especially with his kicking game, but is yet to decide if the 21-year-old, who missed the whole of last season with a serious knee injury, would be the long-term replacement for the departed Chris Sandow.

Ryan Carr, who joined the Rabbitohs from Queensland Cup side Redcliffe Dolphins, also showed some positive signs playing from hooker, scoring a try, and is also able to play halfback.

Maguire is keen to give the 23-year-old an opportunity to show what he can do in the No.7 jumper against the Warriors on February 11 in Coffs Harbour, before naming his full strength side for the Charity Shield game against St George Illawarra a week later.

“I will analyse the game and work out which way I want to go,” Maguire said.

“We still have a couple of trials to go before we make any decisions.

“Both of them did very well. They played very simple, worked hard and pushed the team around and put their hands up.”

Despite neither player having any NRL experience, the new coach is confident both have the talent to play at the highest level.

“I am sure both of them can handle the NRL, but we will have to wait and find out,” he said.

“We will get a better idea after the Warriors game and time will tell, but at the moment we are very much focused on working out what direction we want to go.”