Sad to leave Tigers, Reynolds open to Bulldogs homecoming
No one is more disappointed in Josh Reynolds’ contribution to the Wests Tigers than the man himself.
However, speaking for the first time since being told he is free to find a new club, Reynolds admits he understands the Tigers’ decision to show him the door.
“In a weird way I knew it was coming,” Reynolds told NRL.com when asked about his conversation with coach Michael Maguire.
“But to actually hear it from Madge’s mouth was pretty tough. More to the fact because I just haven’t been able to prove myself at this club. I know a lot of people will be frustrated with the input I have had at this club, and rightly so, but there’s no one more frustrated than myself.
“This club gave me an opportunity to set up my life post footy with the deal they gave me, and all I wanted to do was repay them with consistent footy and help build a winning culture like the club I had been at previously. Unfortunately it just hasn’t panned out that way.”
As revealed by NRL.com on Wednesday night, the Tigers have granted Reynolds permission to negotiate with rival clubs after club legend Benji Marshall indicated he would likely play on for another season.
Reynolds still has two-and-a-bit years to run on his contract with the Tigers and has every right to remain at the club on a lucrative deal.
However he’s indicated he will help free up salary cap space for the club and look for a new home in 2020.
The Bulldogs have struggled in the halves since his departure at the end of 2017, going through several playmakers under Dean Pay.
Reynolds’s energy and commitment is just what the Bulldogs need, especially as they look rebuild their roster.
The 30-year-old’s love for his old club hasn’t wavered and he would love nothing more than to return to Belmore, but understands the club still has Kieran Foran, Jack Cogger, Brandon Wakeham and Lachlan Lewis on the books.
