Josh Reynolds has won a contract with his beloved Bulldogs without having to even play a game.
The 33-year-old club favourite was on a train-and-trial deal and was expected to have to battle it out for a spot in the top 30 with a host of up-and-comers in coming weeks.
But head coach Cameron Ciraldo this week decided to reward the veteran for his enthusiasm and drive in the pre-season with a full-time contract for Reynolds’ second stint at the club.
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“He’s been great around the place with his energy and attitude and Cam decided he wants him here full-time,” a Bulldogs source told Wide World of Sports.
“The young guys in the squad really look up to him and it’s been a popular decision.”
Reynolds was the face of the Bulldogs a decade ago, playing 138 games between 2011 and 2017 before less successful stints at the Tigers and Hull FC.
The utility back was given his locker at Belmore on Tuesday and will now fight it out for a spot in the round one team to meet Manly.
With his experience and ability to fill several roles, Reynolds could easily jag himself a spot on the bench as he begins life at the Bulldogs for a second time.
CLUE ON STAR’S NEW SPOT
Speaking of veterans playing a utility role off the bench for their new club, Dylan Walker could well find himself in the same situation for the Warriors.
My spies across the ditch tell me the versatile Walker has been training at lock, centre and in the halves.
A battle-hardened pro, Walker was good last year for Manly and will be a handy signing as the Warriors start a new chapter in their history under incoming coach Andrew Webster.
DOLPHINS COP ANOTHER BLOW
The poor old Dolphins keep getting kicked in the guts before they even play a game.
Former Kiwi international and ex-Titans skipper Kevin Proctor just moved to England recently to take up a one-year deal with battlers Wakefield.
Proctor this week revealed he had an offer to remain in the NRL – with the Dolphins – but knocked it back to move to the grim, wet and cold north of England instead.
Proctor was sent packing by the Titans late last year after a much publicised social media post of himself vaping in stadium toilets during a game.
Proctor opens the scoring in quick fashion
DRAGONS SIGNING ‘ONE TO WATCH’
Jett Liu may sound like a Hollywood action star – but he’s actually a promising prop who has signed with the Dragons from Canberra.
Originally from Leeton in the Riverina, Liu played for the Raiders in the SG Ball Cup last season before switching colours.
A big 18-year-old with good leg speed, he’s a couple of years off NRL standard but is one to watch.
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