Not fazed by spending the entire State of Origin opener on the sideline, NSW utility Josh Reynolds says he won’t be fussed if coach Laurie Daley repeats the dose in game two on Wednesday.
Reynolds joined an elite group in game one when he sat on the interchange bench, unused, for 80 minutes.
Among the first to comfort him after fulltime was Daley – who apologised for leaving him out of the hard-fought victory before promising he’d be picked for game two.
That promise was honoured this week, with Reynolds rejoining his teammates in preparation for the potential series-deciding Suncorp Stadium clash.
But it hasn’t yet been extended to a promise of gametime, and Reynolds couldn’t be less concerned.
“I’m not a selfish guy (who would) say that I’ll be filthy after the game (if I don’t play),” Reynolds said this week.
“Laurie hasn’t said I’ll (get any playing time in game two). I’m sure if need be, I’d hopefully be put in at some stage.
“(But) he’s said it already that it might happen again.
“If that happens, and that’s how the game pans out, then that’s just how it is … Whatever is needed for the team and the win.
“I took a lot out of game one. Plenty of confidence, knowing that Laurie’s shown some faith in picking me in both of the games. He obviously thinks I’m up to this level.”
Reynolds, who was not even sure whether he would be awarded his $30,000 bonus for taking part in game one despite not playing a minute, said Daley had made that clear soon after fulltime of his Origin debut.
“He was one of the first people that he’d seen, and he came up and said ‘I’m so sorry mate’ (about not playing me in game one),” Reynolds said.
“I could see it in his face that he obviously didn’t feel the best about it.
“But I just let him know that as long as the boys got the win, I was happy. We both felt good.
“It was an awesome feeling.”
And as for the number of Origins he’s played, and whether Suncorp is technically his Blues debut?
“Well, I was tossing that up with (Blues and Canterbury teammate) Josh Morris before,” he said.
“But it says it in the paper – one Origin game, so I’ll take that.”
oikee
Guest
Another Gidley, bench player. He come off the bench get hammered and back to the bench. He used to waiting on the bench, normally in the watchhouse. hehe. The only bench he will ever press. Pretty boy, doing time on the bench. Closest he get to the action, bench presses. Coach has already benched him. His only friend in Queensland, a bench. Hey mom, look at the benchsitter. Renolds, get off the bench before the bench bugs get ya. hehe. The bench will be the last of his worries when he gets to Suncorp.
Damn Straight
Roar Rookie
More time on the bench equals more time to practise his leaping and commando rolls.
Bazzio
Roar Guru
Having a potent strike player on the bench is tactically very handy, not only because if the original game plan isn't as successful as it needs to be, Schnoz can send Reynolds on, but because the toads also must come up with contingencies to cover that possibility, and that can create information over-load in their minds & play structures.
snowmann
Guest
Or he could just practice to get more Neanderthals to get suckered in to giving him a penalty at the most crucial time of the game.
liatrevlis
Guest
He can use the time to practice forward rolls and cartwheels ,