Sam Burgess wasn’t the only grand finalist with a heroic tale to tell on Sunday, with Canterbury five-eighth Josh Reynolds revealing he played most of the NRL decider with a busted shoulder.
An emotional Reynolds was confined to a sling post-match and said he was fearing the worst after feeling his shoulder pop out early in the contest.
The Bulldogs’ star will seek scans on Monday but it would appear he’s headed for off-season surgery on his left shoulder.
It’s been a roller coaster ride for Reynolds this season after he was part of NSW’s historic State of Origin triumph, and the 25-year-old made it clear he didn’t want any sympathy.
“I don’t want to sound like a sob story but I did it pretty early,” Reynolds said.
“I felt it before (on the right) side and fingers crossed it’s not as bad.
“It’s probably not good. I’m trying to be positive but I probably wouldn’t have this (sling) on.
“I think it might have popped out. I felt it, and I’ve done it before so I think it was close to that.
“But there was no excuse. I don’t want anyone to think this was anything because I’d go through that for these boys any day of the week.”
Meanwhile, the Bulldogs were full of praise for rookie hooker Moses Mbye and refused to use the absence of injured captain Michael Ennis as an excuse.
Whispers emerged early on Sunday that Mbye would play, but the 20-year-old claims he didn’t get the tap on the shoulder from coach Des Hasler until 10 minutes before kick-off.
Reni Maitua was the unlucky man to miss out.
“Des keeps it pretty close to his chest,” Mbye said.
“I just prepared as if I’m playing and just see what happens.
“Yeah we (he and Maitua) were both ready to go. We both warmed up. I thought he was playing, he thought I was playing, so unlucky for Ren but I took my opportunity and it was good.
“My mum was here and my brothers are here, my uncle is here, so it’s good. They’re really proud.”
Mbye, tipped to be a future star, led the tackle count for both teams with 37.
Trent Hodkinson said he will also need post-season surgery on his knee injury.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
Josh Reynolds doesn't have to be the greatest five-eighth to be a quality player. He tried hard all game but his forwards just weren't holding the ball right. Hard to take advantage of momentum if you haven't got any in the first place.
Jay h
Guest
Big effort from the dogs from 7th ! Hodkinson one leg , Reynolds shoulder , Morris knee ! Next year should go better Micheal lichaa hooker , Curtis rona and chase Stanley fight over wing spots and hope dogs sign Brett Morris from dragons , plus Sam kasino on the bench
Tim Coghlan
Roar Rookie
Hodkinson and Morris were passengers from injuries. Morris has been since the SOO really. Still a massive effort, couldn't believe it when they got back to 6 all and thought they were very hard done by with the penalty that took Souths 8 in front and the third try being a bounce ball.
The Barry
Roar Guru
I thought Reynolds had a big game last night. Tried hard the while way...the grubber for t-Rex and the 40/20 were classy plays. Hodkinson was a passenger. I thought the dogs should have gone to the air from 40 metres out instead of kicking for the corners all the time.