Reynolds back to Bulldogs?

[happy_tiger]

If Benji plays on in 2021, he most likely breaks Farah’s record.

If Benji plays on in 2021 ...our recruitment is sub standard for 2021

 

[mike]

Nearly 12 months after telling Josh Reynolds he was free to leave, the Wests Tigers are now digging their claws in over the star playmaker.

The Daily Telegraph revealed this week that the Bulldogs are keen on luring their former favourite son back to Belmore, but Tigers officials are reluctant to release Reynolds due to uncertainty around the salary cap and the future of veteran five-eighth Benji Marshall.

Canterbury has been making inquiries about Reynold’s tenure at the Tigers after the former State of Origin-winning NSW No.6 was told in July last year he had permission to negotiate with rival teams despite having two seasons remaining on his estimated $750,000 contract.

The shopping around of Reynolds was prompted when Marshall indicated a desire to play on in 2020, meaning the Tigers wouldn’t need two five-eighths, particularly not one sitting outside first grade on big money.

Nine months on, Reynolds’ future at the Tigers will once again hinge on Marshall opting to continue his stellar career or retire.

However, the Tigers thinking has changed and they now don’t want to release Reynolds in case Marshall decides to hang up the boots, as it will cost them a playmaker already contracted for 2021.

Marshall told reporters on Thursday that he remains undecided about playing next season.

“I have always said I’d rather just weigh that up at the end of the season and see how the body is feeling and if I feel good enough mentally and physically to go again, then I will,” Marshall said.

“If I don’t, then I won’t.

“But there was a point I was more worried about the game than me, that maybe we weren’t [going to get back] with how serious it (the virus) was getting around the world.

“I suppose it’s lucky we are back because I would have had to think about what I would have done next year if we didn’t get to play, I don’t have to think about that anymore.”

Reynolds is earning approximately $750,000 a season for the next two years, which is significant money for a player who has been restricted to just 14 games in the past three seasons at the Tigers due to injury.

It’s why Wests officials were willing to release the five-eighth if he found a suitable club to create space under the cap.

But there is also a belief from the Tigers that Reynolds wants to stay at Concord after the club staunchly defended him against domestic violence allegations from his former partner, which were dropped following false claims to clear his name of any wrongdoing.

He also played 80 minutes at halfback in the Tigers’ opening two games against St George Illawarra and Newcastle prior to the NRL’s shutdown in March, although he faces tough competition to retain the No.7 jumper with Luke Brooks set to return from a calf injury.

Reynolds has also previously indicated that he is open to a Canterbury homecoming.

The Bulldogs remain interested in their former fan favourite and have room to move in their salary cap for this year following the deregistration of Corey Harawira-Naera and Jayden Okunbor due to the schoolgirl sex scandal.

Marshall hopes Reynolds stays at the Tigers, but he understands if he returns to Canterbury where he made his debut and played 138 NRL games.

“I have been in Josh’s position where I’ve been at another club and the Tigers was my home,” said Marshall, who left Brisbane for a Wests Tigers homecoming in 2018.

“I just said to Josh if that happens and you go back to where you were at the Bulldogs that you love, no one is going to hold that against you.

“Josh is the type of person who wants to stay loyal and feel like he owes something to the club.

“If it does eventuate then that is all good and if it doesn’t, we love having him here.

“I’ve been in that position and yeah it’s tough but what you have to do is weigh up all the things that are best for you and while you have a contract at a club you’re more than to stay but if you choose to go elsewhere then that’s up to. I love the grub; I love having him here and I hope he stays.

“He’s one of the best guys to be around. Even though he’s got blonde hair at the moment and looks shit, we’ll still have him.”
https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/teams/tigers/why-the-wests-tigers-have-backflipped-on-star-fiveeighth-josh-reynolds/news-story/9914cbb05ca4b0980224ef28178b763f

its up to Josh

i have a feeling he will go

I have a feeling he will stay. He owes us.

 

[barnzee]

Trust me he is gone

 

[mike]

Trust me he is gone

I’ll be disappointed if he is.

 

[barnzee]

He is gone mate , Harry Grants arrival spelled the end for him

 

[happy_tiger]

He is gone mate , Harry Grants arrival spelled the end for him

Well if your right someone better supply Pascoe a few bottles of crotch rot crème ..because Pascoe will walk with his legs spread for weeks

 

[finnzo]

Have to remember we have billy Walters who has proven he can handle first grade in the first to games he has played and his preferred position is 5/8 Maby he could slip in there if benji retires

 

[TheDaBoss]

Perhaps The POM can confirm this 😉😉😉😉😁

Or prehaps our old friend smoking gun

 

[Jedi_Tiger]

Hearing gone next thursday hooefully POM can confirm

 

[Snake]

Hearing gone next thursday hooefully POM can confirm

That article was like he has full support of the board ... we know what that means 😂

 

[Jedi_Tiger]

it seems suss indeed Snake
i am cautious as the mail i had previously received re Douehi not coming ended up not being the case.
Hope it is right and Reynolds goes and it free's up some cash

 

[GNR4LIFE]

Perhaps The POM can confirm this 😉😉😉😉😁

Or prehaps our old friend smoking gun

To busy arguing about overlords

 

[GNR4LIFE]

Wonder what it means for Lachlan Lewis. I get the vibe that kid has attitude problems.

 

[Roar_Power]

How can anyone be disappointed about this? Fringe first grader on a stack of money - frees up more for next year. Hopefully we can Grant beyond 2020. Love Reynolds enthusiasm but it only takes him so far. Win for everyone.

 

[GNR4LIFE]

How can anyone be disappointed about this? Fringe first grader on a stack of money - frees up more for next year. Hopefully we can Grant beyond 2020. Love Reynolds enthusiasm but it only takes him so far. Win for everyone.

I doubt it re Grant. He’s on loan.

 

[Roar_Power]

Doesn't he have a clause if Smith plays on?

 

[JC99]

Wonder what it means for Lachlan Lewis. I get the vibe that kid has attitude problems.

He got hooked in the dogs last game. He has talent but plenty to be worked on, very one dimensional. Brandon Wakeham looks the goods

 

[Jedi_Tiger]

Lachlan Lewis is a pretty good player Foran for the dogs is injury prone. Lewis might be worth a look for us maybe Brooks and him can switch 7 and 6

 

[Tcat]

Lachlan Lewis is a pretty good player Foran for the dogs is injury prone. Lewis might be worth a look for us maybe Brooks and him can switch 7 and 6

I think Lewis has the skill set to go places, but I dont think he is fitting into the doggies system very well. Not sure what he's on, but if the price is right, he and Brookes could be a good long term halves outfit.

 

[Snake]

Lachlan Lewis is a pretty good player Foran for the dogs is injury prone. Lewis might be worth a look for us maybe Brooks and him can switch 7 and 6

I think Lewis has the skill set to go places, but I dont think he is fitting into the doggies system very well. Not sure what he's on, but if the price is right, he and Brookes could be a good long term halves outfit.

Trade -Lewis /Reynolds ..Lewis can play and has an upside !