Veteran Wests Tigers five-eighth Josh Reynolds has signed with Hull FC where he will play under former Tigers assistant coach Brett Hodgson.
Luke Brooks believes veteran five-eighth Josh Reynolds can get back to his best in the Super League after injury restricted him to just 22 NRL games in three years.
On Monday it was confirmed Reynolds had been released from the end of his Wests Tigers contract to sign a new deal with Hull FC for two years with an option for a third.
The former NSW State of Origin half told Brooks of the new opportunity in a text last week but fronted the playing group in Concord to say goodbye on Monday morning.
And while Brooks is sad to see his good mate leave, he’s excited for the 31-year-old to have certainty and a chance to play football again in England.
“For him to get three years over there … I think he’s sad to go but at the same time he’s happy that he has the chance to play some footy,” Brooks said.
“He obviously had a tough couple of years here at the Tigers.
“I became really close with him so I’m happy to see him get a good deal over there.
“He’s got a lot of footy left in him and that’s the main thing for him.”
Reynolds came through the ranks at Canterbury before moving to the Tigers in 2017.
But severely hampered by injury, he’s only managed to play 22 games in three seasons.
His departure is expected to free almost $500,000 in the Tigers’ salary cap for 2021.
Reynolds, 31, will play under recent Tigers assistant coach Brett Hodgson, who has taken charge at Hull, and he said he was excited about the overseas move.
“I’m really excited and proud to be joining a club like Hull FC, they’re a big club with great heritage and a very passionate set of fans,” Reynolds told Hull’s official website.
“I’ve heard a lot about the club and their vision which is exciting and I’d love to get over to the UK and try and win a trophy with them.”
The departure of Reynolds and club legend Benji Marshall opens the door for Brooks to have a new halves partner in 2021 with Adam Doueihi the firming option.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
Some of the money splashed on players like Reynolds has surprised me in the last few years. Same as some of the plodders the Titans signed. Sometimes the battlers come good but they're paying them as if they never went a bit wobbly.
Kobi
Guest
Be great to see the Tigers in the top 8 in 21.
Paul
Roar Guru
for the Tigers sake, I hope you're wrong Larry. Amazing the talent that's gone to waste, thanks to the drink or drugs over the years.
Larry1950
Guest
Roberts has been gone a long time from the Broncs, doubtful he's still on their payroll. Anyway, he's one booze or substance binge from retirement, reckon those 'self referred' trips to a rehab facility had a distinct odour about them, testers maybe calling around soon? Sometimes you've just got to cut some people adrift & let the chips fall where they will.
Paul
Roar Guru
I understood the Broncos were picking up some of the tab, Nat. Happy to stand corrected if that's wrong?
Nat
Roar Rookie
Good call. It's unfortunate but I think he's done as well. He wants to play because he knows nothing else but if Bennett cannot keep his head straight I can't see O'Brien having a better run with him. IMO, he should be looking at some type of mentoring program for younger guys who have similar lived experiences and it provides him another path as well.
Nat
Roar Rookie
He was on $500k at the Broncos. As far as I'm aware the Tigers have that covered.
Big Daddy
Guest
TBH they should have sent Brooks with him. Promises everything and gives nothing.
Aiden
Guest
Off to win the MAN OF STEEL. They should just call it THE AWARD WE GIVE TO AUSTRALIANS AT THE END OF THEIR CAREERS
Paul
Roar Guru
another thing learnt today
Tony
Roar Guru
Apparently it's a rhyming slang thing Paul
Paul
Roar Guru
the talent he has is huge, but what’s going on in that head of his, is something of a mystery. Madge reckons he can work with him, so he might end up being a very good buy for the Tigers – or a complete dud. PS I’ve often wondered-who’s Nellie?
Tony
Roar Guru
Not on your Nellie
Paul
Roar Guru
so you wouldn't want a fit & keen Roberts at the Dragons? I would for sure.
Paul
Roar Guru
how much are they paying him versus how much are the Broncos paying? I reckon the Tigers are paying unders
Tony
Roar Guru
Not to mention Roberts
Larry1950
Guest
they’ve already done that, Jo Ofahengauei
Paul
Roar Guru
Sounds like a win for all concerned. Reynolds has a chance to play more footy and the Tigers have freed up a fair bit of salary cap money. Now all they have to do is not pay overs for an average player.