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The Roar

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Time for Josh Reynolds to stop being a grub

10th August, 2014
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The Doggies head north to take on the resurgent Broncos in Thursday night action. (AAP Image/Action Photographics, Charles Knight)
Expert
10th August, 2014
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After 10 rounds of the NRL the Bulldogs were sitting atop the competition ladder, fully deserving of all the kudos coming their way.

The skill and size in the Dogs forward pack was proving too hard to contain, while Trent Hodkinson and Josh Reynolds were doing such a great job leading the team, they were selected in the halves for New South Wales in the State of Origin series.

Jump to the present day and the Dogs have lost four in a row, sliding down the ladder to eighth spot and in danger of missing the finals.

Yet it’s not just that consecutive losses have piled up, it’s the way in which they have been defeated that is most alarming for coach Des Hasler, the players, team management and their fans.

During the losing streak, a young Wests Tigers outfit put 46 on them, the Penrith Panthers defeated them 22-16 in a score line that dramatically flatters the Dogs, and the Brisbane Broncos annihilated them on Friday night, 41-10.

The heavy loss to the Broncos saw five-eighth Josh Reynolds compile quite the highlight reel. Sadly for him and the Dogs, it wasn’t one containing sensational plays, but rather a series of extreme brain flatulence.

In a meltdown of epic proportions, Reynolds was placed on report for kicking Sam Thaiday in the face, placed on report for tripping Ben Barba, sin-binned for a high tackle on Alex Glenn, and then violently kicked a chair when he returned to the dressing room.

It capped off an ugly night for the Dogs, and though clearly frustration got the better of him, Reynolds actions were completely unacceptable.

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Reynolds nickname is ‘Grub’, a moniker he seems to relish, which tells you all you need to know about his style of play. His antics on the field have always raised the ire of opposing players and fans; however, it’s time he got rid of the junk in his game.

It’s now reached the point where his aggression and niggle are having a detrimental effect on his own team.

He was extremely lucky to get away with a number of incidents in the Origin series that could have cost the Blues dearly, including a dangerous lifting tackle on Brent Tate in Game 1, and a penalty for holding Billy Slater back at the conclusion of Game 2 that handed Queensland the potential to secure a last-gasp victory at the death.

However, he wasn’t so lucky in Game 3, and copped a three-game suspension for a shoulder charge on Will Chambers.

He returned to the Bulldogs last round, but is certain to now spend more time on the sidelines for his transgressions on Friday night, and with the Dogs in free-fall, much more is expected – and needed – from one of their leaders.

As a Bulldogs fan, I love Reynolds’ attitude. He’s passionate, energetic and desperately wants to win. He gives every game his all, and you could never question his commitment or effort. Clubs need leaders like that, it sets a good example for younger kids, along with helping to establish a strong culture at the club.

However, that desire needs to be harnessed.

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Any attitude that sees you consistently suspended from your team and watching from the sidelines does your football club no favours. Any passion that sees you give away crucial penalties that prove extremely expensive during a game, flies in the face of ‘wanting to win’. Any dirty tactics that push the boundaries of decency are not a good example for younger players.

Reynolds is a very good footballer. His skill level has improved tremendously, and his intensity – in what is a very physical sport – will always be an asset.

It’s no secret that he is a player that treads a fine line. He has always been known as someone that gets in opposing players’ faces, before getting under their skin. He’s annoying, feisty and lippy.

He’s also emotional, and you want players that care. But he needs to play with better control. He needs to play smarter. He needs to get rid of the garbage in his game.

He needs to stop being the ‘Grub’.

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