Bulldogs cult hero Josh Reynolds’ has gone all the way down to the North Sydney Bears 30-6 in his remaining skilled recreation, earlier than delivering an emotional tribute post-match.
The veteran playmaker introduced his retirement from rugby league on Monday and gave Canterbury-Bankstown trustworthy his remaining goodbye on Saturday afternoon.
The 34-year-old’s household and mates have been all current to have fun his swan music, with Reynolds applauding the sold-out Belmore crowd.
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Fighting by way of tears, Reynolds stated: “There’s nothing like (Belmore), I have had so many of my best memories here, to be able to finish it here today in front of people who have been here the whole time is pretty special”.
“We grew up up the road up at nan’s house and we just were constantly in the area and it honestly means a lot to me.
“I didn’t want the boys to win for me today I wanted them to do it for the badge, because it honestly means the world to me.
“It really does, this place does, this area does and I will forever be grateful for what it’s done for me.”
He additionally defined why he knew it was time to hold up the boots.
“Still right now I wanted to compete my backside off, but I just can’t anymore and there comes a time when you have just got to come to terms with it,” Reynolds stated.
“It’s an unbelievable week.”
Reynolds walked across the floor and was met with widespread applause from all corners of the Bulldogs’ dwelling floor.
Ahead of the 2023 season Reynolds was awarded a shock train-and-trial cope with season after proving his value to incoming coach Cameron Ciraldo in pre-season.
The contract capped off a formidable return to the NRL, having performed seven seasons for the membership earlier than transferring to the Tigers in 2018 after which the Super League in 2021.
However, in a selfless transfer Reynolds gave up his contract previous to the membership signing Toby Sexton in a direct change from the Titans.
“To be completely honest it was an easy decision for me, I got sick of holding people back,” Reynolds stated.
“I had a really good think and I wanted to come back and do what’s best for the club… and it just clicked one night.
“I like to think I am still King King and match it with these boys but I just can’t, so it was just a nice touch I was able to do that for someone.
“That’s all she wrote.”
Coming on to the sphere Reynolds was additionally welcomed through a guard of honour with the Bulldogs squad all celebrating his terrific profession.
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“He is just blue and white through and though, and an absolute champion,” Michael Ennis stated.
“What a lovable larrikin, he can talks to kings and queens and he can talk to the punters on the hill, I can understand why they love him so much,” Steve Roach stated.
NSW Cup coach David Tangata-Toa spoke glowingly of the veteran playmaker forward of his facet’s Saturday afternoon conflict.
“It’s been a bit of an emotional week for Josh, they are talking about a big crowd being here,” Tangata-Toa stated to Fox League’s Darcie McDonald.
“He’s been great, older and experienced player around our group. We have some young playmakers in our team, he’s been great for those players coming through.”
Speaking as Reynolds ran on the sphere, commentator Mark Carroll stated he had “tears running down my face” following the particular scenes.
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Speaking on SEN, Ciraldo heaped reward on the veteran halfback previous to his remaining recreation.
“Josh has been a big part of this club for a long time now,” Ciraldo stated.
“What he’s done for our squad this year is come back in and put his ego aside.
“He came back on a train and trial deal, earnt his spot in the top 30 and I wanted him around more to bring the (leadership) off the field and give lessons to the guys off the field.
“As much as he led off the field, he came in and contributed on the field as well.
“We talk a lot about putting the club first and he has definitely done that a number of times throughout his career.
“It just shows what type of man Josh is.
“You realise from afar that Josh Reynolds is a big part of the Bulldogs but being here and understanding how much the fans love him and how much he’s adored by everyone is really special to be a part of it.
“We want to send him out by celebrating with a win.”
Source web site: www.foxsports.com.au
