Reynolds returned to Belmore on a deal in November in a bid to prove himself worthy of a position on 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.
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 theHerald 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.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 compete for a bench position,as well as provide depth in the halves and hooking positions.
“It’s great to have him around the club,he’s so passionate,” Matt Burton said.
“He’s been there and been through it all. The way he talks about the club is pretty special,his mum lives just down the road. It’s crazy to hear the stories about him coming back to the club and what it means to him.”
The club formally announced Reynolds’ promotion to the top squad on Wednesday.
“I don’t know how to explain the love he has for the club,” Reed Mahoney said.
“If anyone in our team had as much love as he has for the club,we would go a long way. His mum lives two streets away from training,he has lived and breathed it for years. To be told he is joining our top-30 squad,he will be a massive influence on the group.”
Stream the NRL Premiership 2023 live and free on.
News,results and expert analysis from the weekend of sport sent every Monday..