Departing Canterbury star Josh Reynolds was apprehensive about Kieran Foran’s impending arrival but insists he wanted to stay at the NRL club.
But a four-year NRL deal to join Wests Tigers, reportedly worth close to a million dollars a year, was too good to pass up.
“I definitely would have stayed for a little bit less at the Dogs,” Reynolds told Fairfax.
“But when the difference is life-changing, how do you say no?”
The five-eighth said he has no ill will towards the Bulldogs and claims he wasn’t pushed out by their efforts to court Warriors playmaker Foran.
But not having the chance to play alongside New Zealand international hurts.
“It does hurt a bit because he’s (Foran) coming to the club I love, and I would have loved to have stayed,” Reynolds said.
“When I heard they might be signing him I was a bit scared because I wasn’t sure how I was going to fit in.
“The reality is that someone is going to have to go and I really didn’t think that was going to be me.
“I really wanted to stay.”
Reynolds, considered the heart and soul of Canterbury, said the decision to leave crushed him and he was worried people would think of him as a lesser person.
Not being able to take the Bulldogs to a premiership also weighs heavily.
“”We’ve had a really good team for six years but we still haven’t won the comp. We should have won a comp,” he said.
“Is it my fault? Maybe I’ve got a bit to do with it. I don’t know.”
Albo
Guest
I know exactly how you feel Baz ! It is shattering when players that mean so much to your Club are forced out for one reason or another. I am still trying to get over the departure of Greg Alexander & Mark Geyer from Penrith following the death of Ben Alexander just a year after winning the 1991 comp ! Just when the Panthers were on the verge of a dominating era. And then just a few years later when Gould took away Brad Fittler and Matt Sing with him to the Roosters to feather a few big nests ! It is not just the loss of a good player(s) but these are players who are the heart and soul of teams and this can take a long time to recover from. I suspect in the case of Josh Reynolds, the Dogs are going to miss him much, much more than they realise today ! They are losing a good player who more importantly inspires others around him, for a new player with a history of dubious longevity, loyalty and commitment. Good luck to Reynolds for accepting the financial security of a massive contract, but I think it is the Tigers that may have got themselves a bargain if he can reproduce the commitment and influence he has shown at the Dogs !
Cedric
Guest
Agree what a loss, Reynolds and Graham wear their hearts on their sleeves, all and sundry can watch their pain and joy. It appears the guts of the club will be discarded, it's a hard ask!
kk
Roar Pro
Yes TB. The importance and beauty of mateship between the two was moving. For sometime I have harboured the thought that James Graham due to his close relationship with Michael Ennis might end up at Cronulla. Now it may be Wests Tigers. His back ended $1M contract for 2017 could be a problem. Buying premierships is a rocky road. With all this it is great to see Josh's future secured. He earned it. I would be cheering for him regardless of the colours worn.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
In a world or culture desirous of being he-men, to be normal is a tremendous feat. Ever since I saw him in Origin and the way he conducted himself, I've been a fan of Josh Reynolds. Wish he'd play for Glebe though.
Squidward
Roar Rookie
Honest. I appreciate his vulnerability
Squidward
Roar Rookie
It's emotional stuff. I bet Graham felt the same with Ennis. Great club men. All 3
The Barry
Roar Guru
MAX - did you hear Graham speak on NRL 360 about Reynolds? It was really heartfelt and moving. Graham looked shell shocked as he spoke. The Roar had a link to it. Check it out if you haven't seen it.
Will Sinclair
Roar Guru
Well said mate.
Will Sinclair
Roar Guru
Compare how he has behaved to how Woods and Tedesco have behaved (guided by their management). People just appreciate it so much more when you are honest and open, instead of playing games and treating fans and clubs like their stupid. Is it really worth trashing your reputation to earn a few more gold coins?
JOHNY BULLDOG
Roar Rookie
2X...Well said Baz....:(
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
“I definitely would have stayed for a little bit less at the Dogs,” Reynolds told Fairfax, “but when the difference is life-changing, how do you say no?” One of the best answers ever given in a rugby league interview.
Squidward
Roar Rookie
3 of their most passionate players. The Sharkies went through hell of a time when Chris Anderson booted the passionate sharks players like nick graham and triester and many more in the mid 2000s
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
Daley erred in not sticking with Reynolds.
Zedman
Roar Rookie
Good stuff Baz, i'm a Dragons man but Reynolds has grown into one of my favourite players. I wish him the best.
kk
Roar Pro
"Things happen in threes"??? The departure of Michael Ennis and Josh Reynolds ( two of his closest mates) may also lead to the departure of James Graham. The club has indicated they would not stand in the way if he were offered a substantial contract from another club. That would indicate they would not subsidise his transfer, but his transfer is on their minds.
andrew
Guest
He is worried people will think he is a lessor person, but I have to say, listening to some of the stories told, and the way he has conducted himself, I think more of him today. I will always tip my cap to a player who puts in effort levels consistently like he does. Yes the niggle can be annoying, but much like Cameron Smith, plenty of people will call him a grub, until he is on their team, and then they will think he is great.
Remo Shankar
Roar Pro
It's a tough one when a 'heart and soul' player leaves your club. Some players come across as 'mercenary' while others seem to be more genuine 'club' players. I know Reynolds isn't everyone's cup of tea, but he's the sort of player any club is happy to have and that supporters can easily get behind - good luck to him.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Heartbreaking. Reynolds is my second favourite Dogs player of all time. Local junior to boot. I know all fans have to go through this but that doesn't make it any less disappointing. Good luck to Reynolds for next season and his career. I'll be cheering for the Tigers when they're not playing the Dogs and will always follow Reynolds. He's had five full seasons of first grade. In that time the Dogs have made the semis five times and appeared in two grand finals. Reynolds finished 5th in the 2012 Dally Ms and 6th in 2013. He was also part of the Blues only winning team in the past eleven series. Not the greatest player to strap on a boot but no one ever gave more for their club. Capable of the big play when his team needed it, Reynolds has been under rated as just a scrapper when his skillset is broader than that. I watched a couple of his YouTube highlight reels this week. Anyone that thinks he's just a grub should do the same. It's hard to express how shattered I am at this news (still) but good luck Josh and thanks for everything.