The way Josh Reynolds calmly slotted the matchwinner in Canterbury’s 9-8 win over Sydney Roosters you would never have guessed it was his first ever field goal.
Never before has he kicked one. Not in the Under 6s, not as an Illawarra Steelers junior and definitely never in the NRL.
With the scores locked at 8-all and 10 minutes to play in a typically gritty game of wet weather football at Allianz Stadium on Friday night, Bulldogs halfback Trent Hodkinson shaped to kick a field goal but the Roosters defence converged and he passed it onto his halves partner Reynolds right beside him 20m out.
The Steeden sailed true off Reynolds’ boot and ultimately proved the difference between the two sides in the one-try-a-side contest.
Reynolds pumped the air with delight as referee Henry Perenara signalled the field goal’s success and the Dogs managed to hold the Roosters out in an exciting final 10 minutes for their third win of the season.
“That was my first ever field goal in footy, not even in juniors I have never kicked one so I am pretty pumped about that,” Reynolds said.
“When it left my foot I was a bit surprised so I got a bit lucky tonight.
“I thought Trent was going to pot it and he got a bit of pressure and passed it to me.
“I was ready for it and I just tried to stay as composed as I could, I got a little bit excited because I wanted to kick it.
“It was a good feeling.
“But I don’t ever think I have even attempted one so there you go.”
Pot Stirrer
Guest
theyl cope fine if they get a fair crack from the Ref's. Just like the dragons against the rabbits, Sure i think the Rabbits would have won anyway but the diabolical referreeing is denying teams a fair chance at winning.
planko
Roar Guru
I like the loyalty Muzz I would stick on for a bit longer especially at First Grade Level. Did you go this week to the game ?
Dave
Guest
Have the other teams caught up to the Roosters. They didn't score in 80 minutes of football last weekend, and didn't score in the second half this week. Thats a pretty big drought for a team that hads been widely tipped as specials for the 2014 premiership shield. Don't get me wrong, any team that beats them know they have been in a battle, and they will need to bring their a+ grade game to compete, but they are doing just that. The weight of a premiership and the target that places on the team is enormous. The question is, can they cope.
The eye
Guest
And it's thinking like yours that has us looking at 9 blot..
Muzz
Guest
Precious little???,they are in the D line for 80 minutes.How is that a significant stat based on ONLY 2 games.A better stat is their +/-over 5 games,take a look at that.Yep lets panic and sack the premiership winning halves 5 games into the season.Glad your not in charge.
The eye
Guest
Only conceding 2 tries got precious little to do with Pearce and Maloney...the more significant stat is they've only SCORED 1 try in 2 games and that's their KEY responsibility..particularly against an authentic top 4 side.
Muzz
Guest
Some hilarious comments after 5 games of footy.The Roosters should go back to the same halves pairing that they demolished so many teams with last year.Roosters 40 V Knights 14 semi final and the grand final was not that long ago.They have only conceded 2 tries in their last 2 games and made the Eels look like an under 16s team with a masterclass attacking performance.How differently we would of perceived things if Robbo had instructed Maloney to take the kick for goal towards the end of the game and the Chooks got home 10 - 8.
Christian D'Aloia
Roar Guru
I really think he's wasted playing at dummy half as a utility in Origin. I'd love him to be the starting five-eighth but there's little chance of Daley risking another new halves pairing. He's playing brilliantly so far this season and is looking much better than any other NSW five-eighth candidates.
Darren Wyer
Guest
Clever use of blockers lateral to the ruck preventing marker from coming across and putting pressure on. Good strategy. I think its an illegal strategy that most teams are using and getting away with doesn't the rules state the attacking team also need to be onside 5 metres behind the play the ball? If the dummy half decides to run and runs behind the blocker its an obstruction so shouldn't it still be called an obstruction as they are stopping the defense putting pressure on the kicker which can be crucial in a close finish/extra time scenario.
rob
Guest
He also one of the rare players who does not sound like an idiot in front of the camera. He is clear and concise and comes across like a likable person. Future commentator post carer.
Clint
Guest
It was getting frustrating to watch Mini's kick returns. It seems like he's running sideways to avoid getting smashed but he ends up just getting picked up every time. Canterbury's kicking game was much better. Clever use of blockers lateral to the ruck preventing marker from coming across and putting pressure on. Good strategy. Teams have worked out how to block Tupou on the high kicks too. Roosters need to introduce more grubbers and repeat set strategies. Pearce and Maloney are probably getting too predictable. It's easier to structure your defense against predictable players. The wide running back rowers, like SBW and Guerra, were pretty well contained.
Elma Dudd
Guest
Gotta agree about Pearce ... Just seems to have nothing when it's needed . And mini the same , no real options returning the ball just flat out into three defenders and pummeled ... Mr Robinson has some tough decisions to make here or the season will slip away .. Sonny bill at halfback and tupou at fullback ... But it's highly unlikely he will do something so drastic ....
The eye
Guest
At the very least it confirmed that our current Blue halves don't have it in them to win us the close games,another rubbish kicking game,flicked off like a fly by T and crucial dropped ball..Agree with Eastwood,revved right up and looked strong..was that Fifita 'signing' a master stroke by Des ?..Souths should 'sign' him next...
The Barry
Roar Guru
Roosters have problems. Forwards are very strong, Jake Friend is great. Minichello gets driven backwards every time he returns a kick and as a result the Roosters start their sets on the back foot with the defensive line set. He really is holding the team back. They look absolutely directionless. Pearce just isn't a quality 7 - consistent wrong options, simple mistakes, poor execution. Maloney looks out of touch as well. Apparently the Roosters haven't scored from a kick all year and haven't forced a drop out either. Don't recall any last night either.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Very comfortable with where the Bulldogs are at the moment.... Losses to Brisbane and Panthers and Penrith and have knocked over the Roosters and Storm. Ennis is playing very well out of dummy half - he's looking sharper than he has for years. Hodkinson and Reynolds are in great form. The forward rotation is working very well. Eastwood was great off the bench last night - it usually takes him a while to get going after an injury but was straight into it.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Josh Reynolds is playing brilliantly at the moment. He gets sold short as simply a 'competitor' or a 'scrapper' but he has all the skills as well as an outstanding attitude. Have a look at his 1%-ers, he's always the player coming across in cover to stop a try, the guy backing up in the middle or the first man through chasing a kick. He was brilliant against the Sharks and the Storm, against the Panthers he dragged the Dogs back into the game almost single handedly and was outstanding again last night. He comprehensively outplayed Maloney last night and is far and away the form No 6 in the comp. Give him the blues no 6 jersey. I'm pretty sure he'll be leading the Dally M after last night.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
I'm a big fan of Reynolds. The guy is always trying and he comes across as a player who is always willing to improve. I don't understand why Daley took him off after his little ten minute spell in Origin last year. Things looked up for NSW when he was on the field playing in the halves.