Strange Hull have announced prior to us releasing him.
Hull FC are delighted to announce the signing of former State of Origin half-back Josh Reynolds from Wests Tigers!
The Black & Whites have swooped to capture the 31-year old, fighting off significant competition to secure his signature to see him head to the KCOM Stadium in 2021, agreeing an initial two-year deal with an option of a third year.
Another major coup from the NRL for the Betfred Super League, Reynolds heads to the UK with over 160 games of NRL experience under his belt, in a 10 year career that has seen him represent both Canterbury Bulldogs and his current side, Wests, following new head coach Brett Hodgson from the Tigers to the Airlie Birds.
A New South Wales representative and a key player in the side that helped the Blues to their first series victory in eight years against Queensland in 2014, Reynolds brings a tenacious, high-energy style of play over to the UK to add another dimension to FC’s attack next season.
The experienced Australian began his professional career back in 2011 with the Bulldogs having come through the ranks and represented Canterbury’s sides at U16, U20 and reserved grade sides, gaining plenty of honours including winning the New South Wales Cup Grand Final in 2010, and being voted the player of the season in the league.
His competitive debut soon followed and within a season, Reynolds quickly became a mainstay in Des Hasler’s side, forming a formidable half-back partnership with fellow Blues star Trent Hodgkinson, that would see the side claim the Minor Premiership in only his second season, and reach the 2012 and 2014 NRL Grand Finals.
A true fans favourite of the Bulldogs and considered to be a real ‘clubman’ regardless of the shirt he is wearing, Reynolds remained a regular starter until his departure from Belmore in 2017, having scored 41 tries in 138 appearances; a move to Wests followed where he would partner the likes of both Luke Brooks and Benji Marshall throughout the course of the 2018 to 2020 campaigns.
However, a new challenge awaits the Sydney born star in 2021, who can’t wait to get going with his new side.
Speaking to hullfc.com, Reynolds said: “I’m really excited and proud to be joining a club like Hull FC, they’re a big club with great heritage and a very passionate set of fans.
“I’ve heard a lot about the club and their vision which is exciting and I’d love to get over to the UK and try and win a trophy with them.
“They’ve won the cup a couple of times recently which looked like great occasions to be part of and so do the Derby games.
“The stadium looks class. I can’t wait to run out there for the club and start the next chapter in my career, I’m really ready to rip in and get started. I’m excited about what the next few years has in store.”
Hull FC head coach Brett Hodgson commented: “Josh is an elite player. He builds his game around work-ethic and effort, and that’s what we are after here at the club – he’ll be a real leader for us.
“He’s played Origin, Grand Finals, and Prime Ministers XIII matches – he’s been involved in the game for a long time – he has played at the highest level and he will bring that experience with him.
“He is the sort of player who will bring out the best in the other players around him – the opportunity to see him work together on the field with Marc Sneyd is really exciting. They can complement each other really well with their two different skill-sets; he is a runner of the ball and will find opportunities to attack out of nothing.
“Josh is a passionate guy, and when he sets his sights on what he wants to achieve, he will excel. To have him in Black & White is a really exciting prospect for the club.”
