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This time twelve months ago Josh Reynolds was nervously waiting on the outcome of his ‘train-off’ with South Sydney’s John Sutton for a place on the NSW bench.
Reynolds was given the nod to take his place in the 17-man squad to face Queensland at ANZ Stadium but faced the ignominy of not actually setting foot on the field as coach Laurie Daley opted against throwing him into the action.
It was mixed end to a surreal week for the Canterbury five-eighth with the NSWRL incorrectly Tweeting that Sutton had been given the nod, minutes before Daley announced the Canterbury star’s selection.
The Blues won that series opener in Sydney without any assistance from Reynolds but Daley promised him he’d play in game two in Brisbane, where Queensland won comfortably 26-6 before he was axed for the decider in Sydney.
“I didn’t get to play game three last year and that was very tough to deal with at the time,” Reynolds said.
“But this year I am expected to play 80 minutes and I know the pressure is on. But I can’t wait.”
Reynolds, who’s affectionately known as ‘Grub’ by his teammates, has been buzzing with excitement all week in Coffs Harbour and the 25-year-old said the team spirit among the squad is as good as any team he’s played in.
“It was a roller-coaster last year, but I am really excited about the challenge ahead,” he said.
“The boys really took me in last year and I suppose I was made to feel loved.
“There’s a real good bunch here, no-one thinks they’re better than anyone else.
“No-one thinks they can win the game on their own and no-one thinks they are too good to train.”
Reynolds also revealed he’s urged the players to feel free to give them a spray in training if they think he’s not doing things right as the first-choice No.6.
“Sometimes I get into the habit of doing things at 100 miles-per-hour … I might sometimes need someone to tell me that,” he said.
“It’s not about being thick-skinned, I was just rather someone tell me for the good of the team.
“There are some great players in this side and it would be stupid of me not to listen.”
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