Josh Reynolds is poised to complete a remarkable comeback after earning a place in Canterbury’s top-30 roster.
Reynolds returned to Belmore on a $1000-a-week train-and-trial deal in November in a bid to prove himself worthy of a position on new coach Cameron Ciraldo’s roster. The 33-year-old was expecting to have to perform in the upcoming trials — the Bulldogs take on Canberra in their first pre-season challenge clash on February 12 — but Ciraldo has already seen enough to upgrade him to a position in the top squad.
The development sets up a fairytale homecoming for the playmaker dubbed the “Prince of Belmore” and one of the club’s most popular players. Reynolds will bring with him the experience that comes with 160 NRL appearances, 22 Super League games and six State of Origin matches for NSW, including their drought-breaking series win in 2014.
The former Tiger was poised to retire after his stint with English club Hull FC ended prematurely. However, he reached out to Canterbury late last year in the hope of again pulling on the blue and white jersey.
“There was just a little itch,” Reynolds told the Herald in November.
“If there was an opportunity to come back here, I’d kick myself five years down the track if I’m sitting in the pub and I knew I had the chance but didn’t take it …
Josh Reynolds is back at Belmore with a new deal.Credit:Louise Kennerley
“People say it’s a bit of a fairytale [to return], and it is a cliche, but it is for me.”
Reynolds will now compete for a bench position, as well as provide depth in the halves and hooking positions.
The club is expected to formally announce Reynolds’ promotion to the top squad on Wednesday.
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