The decorated rugby league career of Josh Reynolds has officially drawn to a close – with the North Sydney Bears playing the role of party poopers. Reynolds, 34, turned out for his beloved Canterbury Bulldogs one final time in reserve grade on Saturday afternoon, after announcing this week the NSW Cup clash would be his footy swansong.
In front of a healthy crowd at Belmore Sports Stadium, the man affectionately known as ‘Grub’ was unable to inspire his team to victory, but in the end the result wasn’t important. The five-eighth made his NRL debut for the Bulldogs in 2011, and went onto play in the 2012 and 2014 grand finals.
The pivot then played for Hull FC in the English Super League, before signing a ‘train and trial’ deal for the Bulldogs in the off-season, where he was paid $1000 a week. Reynolds won plenty of admirers after managing to play seven NRL games this season, but hasn’t lined up in first grade since the round 11 loss to the Warriors.
A fan favourite, Reynolds this week selflessly gave up his top-30 NRL spot so the club could accommodate former Titans halfback Toby Sexton into their first grade squad. ‘The Prince of Belmore’ ran out to a hero’s welcome on Saturday, with his mother Nicole and fiancé Ciarne Denham providing last minute well wishes.
He also featured in the halves in 2014 alongside Trent Hodkinson for all three games of the Origin series for NSW, where the Blues finally ended Queensland’s eight-year winning streak. After his first ‘farewell’ from the club in 2017, Reynolds joined the Wests Tigers on a multi-year deal, but form and injuries ensured it was a move he regretted.
Former teammates such as James Graham, Frank Pritchard, Greg Eastwood and Moses Mbye also were spotted at Reynolds’ final match. Reynolds this week declared he was content with his achievements in rugby league and was elated to finish with a ‘fairytale’ at Belmore Sports Ground.
‘I know it’s a cliché, but this place has the best memories I’ve ever had in my whole career,’ he said. ‘My mates, family, the fans they hated me, they loved me, a bit of everything. ‘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.’
