Bulldogs five-eighth Josh Reynolds has apologised for his foul-mouthed outburst at referee Grant Atkins during Sunday afternoon’s NRL contest against the St. George Illawarra Dragons.
Reynolds was penalised for flopping on Dragons fullback Tyrell Sloan in the 39th minute of the Round 9 clash in Wollongong, questioning the decision moments before half-time.
Atkins replied: “I thought you got him in the back of the head on the way down.”
Reynolds snapped back: “Bulls***, I hit him in the back of the head.”
Atkins responded: “I beg your pardon. Come out here, come out here, come here. Don’t say a word.”
Reynolds initially avoided a charge for his fiery comments, before NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo stepped in, forcing the Match Review Committee to review their decision.
The 34-year-old was subsequently hit with a grade one contrary conduct charge on Monday morning, copping a $1000 fine. He also received a dangerous contact charge from the NRL judiciary for his shot on Sloan, earning him another $1000 fine.
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Reynolds gets put in his place! | 00:50
“I am really sorry for all the kids that had to hear that,” Reynolds told Sky Sports Radio’s Big Sports Radio on Tuesday morning.
“It’s obviously not a great look. I love being a role model for the young kids.
“But I’m a passionate person. I care about the result, every battle and every single play I am in.
“Costing my team a penalty like that kills me. Hopefully people can understand that I was fairly riled up.
“I’ll be honest and say that I wish I chose my wording a bit better. I really do mean that. 100 per cent.
“To clear everything up, it wasn’t an actual personal attack on the ref. It wasn’t about him at all. It was more about the situation.
“I’m sure people can understand that, in the heat of battle, as a player, I’m allowed to ask a question and I’m allowed to have an opinion on that call.
“It was a great win and I felt really good out there personally so it takes the shine off the win.”
The Bulldogs, who are currently 13th on the NRL ladder with four wins in nine games, will next face the Canberra Raiders at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on Friday, with kick-off scheduled for 6pm AEST.
