Bulldogs fan favorite Josh Reynolds introduced his retirement from skilled rugby league in an emotional press convention on Monday as his teammates watched on.
The 34-year-old will get his “fairytale” end when he performs his last sport this Saturday at Belmore Sports Ground within the New South Wales Cup fixture.
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Reynolds, who didn’t play Cup or NRL final weekend, broke the news to his teammates on Monday morning earlier than fronting the media.
“I decided to hang the boots up,” Reynolds mentioned by a shaky voice.
“It’s so hard to think about footy not being a part of my life anymore but it’s time,” he added after an extended pause.
“This club means more to me than the game to be honest.
“I honestly wouldn’t be the person I am today if I didn’t start here. Even just these boys being in here right now — I’m going to miss that so much because I’ve been chasing the feeling ever since I left and I finally got it back.
“I’ve got so many good memories. The thing I’m probably going to miss the most is being able to compete and never in my career have I gone into a game not wanting to compete.
“This year’s been one of the best years of my career because there’s been moments because I’ve been a part of some of these guys’ lives since they were kids and to be able to play with some of them is very special.
“To look at that photo of me and (Jacob) Kiraz and to be able to play with him, it’s so special.
“It’s been a massive ride… What a rollercoaster career it’s been on and off the field.”
Reynolds took a deep breath to recover from the tears earlier than saying “I might be able to tell the real stories now,” as your entire room laughed.
“To be able to sit on the bench with Khaled (Rajab) for his debut, he’s way better than what I’ve ever done.
“I’m just honestly grateful for the club giving me another chance to be able to do my best and show these boys hopefully what it means to be the best Bulldogs they can.”
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Reynolds performed seven seasons for the membership earlier than becoming a member of the Wests Tigers in 2018. He moved to the Super League in 2021 earlier than then returning to the Bulldogs this 12 months on a train-and-trial.
After a gruelling pre-season he was rewarded with the ultimate spot within the Dogs’ Top 30. But he gave that up final week so the membership might signal up-and-coming halfback Toby Sexton instantly from the Titans.
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When requested how he’s identified he was able to retire, Reynolds mentioned “it’s been on my mind for a little bit.”
“I’ve still got the mentality of going into every game (to compete) but I just can’t do it anymore,” he revealed.
“There’s been a few training sessions where I was telling my body to get there but it just wasn’t. I thought it was time.
“When the opportunity came up to step out of the Top 30, it was a very easy decision for me.
“But thinking about it more and more I didn’t want to stop anyone… a perfect example is Bailey Hayward. I’ve known him since he was seven-years old, watched his growth come through and I didn’t want to put him out anymore so it was actually an easy decision for me in the end.”
Hayward is taken into account a first-grade playmaker of the longer term. He began off the bench in NSW Cup in Round 18 to make room for Reynolds within the beginning aspect.
He may have to do this once more this weekend — however for good motive with Reynolds to log off at Belmore.
“It’s honestly a fairytale,” Reynolds mentioned about enjoying his last sport at Belmore, the place he was chaired off in 2017.
“I know it’s a cliche but this place has the best memories I’ve ever had in my whole career.
“My mates, family, the fans — they hated me, they loved me, a bit of everything. It feels so much to me.
“I played my grand final there when I was seven-years old, now to be able to play my final game here in a Bulldogs jersey is very special. It’s going to be a great day. I’m really excited.”
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As he thought in regards to the response from followers he’ll little doubt get in 5 days’ time, Reynolds broke down once more.
“You always question what people think of you, I suppose to be carried off the ground by my teammates and fans swarming the field — it’s special,” he mentioned.
“When they chant my last time sometimes, it’s so special. All the boys gee me up about it but I honestly love it. It means so much to me and my family. This place will forever hold a special place in my heart.”
Reynolds confirmed he’s “definitely going to stay” on the membership in some capability.
“Whatever impact I can have around this place… whether that’s playing golf with the sponsors or meeting the boys at the Doghouse for a few after,” he joked.
“I honestly want to help the club get back to where it belongs.”
The membership plans to honour Reynolds on Sunday in what is anticipated to be a sellout because the Dogs host the Broncos at their non secular house.
Reynolds performed 167 NRL video games — 145 of these with the Bulldogs — and 4 Origin video games for NSW. He performed five-eighth within the Dogs’ 2012 and 2014 grand last appearances.
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