Josh Reynolds keen to put ‘rocky road’ behind him and take Tigers leadership role – Fox Sports

Reynolds first two seasons at the Tigers were marred by injury and off-field controversy, which saw him play just 12 games in first grade.
However with his well publicised off-field dramas behind him, Reynolds has already played six games in 2020 and is feeling back to his best.
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Round 9
Tigers can’t tame Joey
1:46
Its been a pretty rocky road with my time at the club but it certainly doesnt mean I dont want to leave a footprint of my time here, Reynolds told The Sydney Morning Herald.
When things are going well outside of footy, it makes footy a whole lot easier. I honestly believe that, Reynolds told the Herald.
[The off-field dramas] are in the past and obviously never pop into my mind, which is a good thing too. Ive had a bit of help and I just want to enjoy however long Ive got to go in this mad game we play.
Reynolds admits that he struggled with his love for the game while languishing outside first grade under Michael Maguire and with no games to play due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Yeah, it probably was a bit like that when I wasnt playing, Reynolds said.
Its hard not playing reggies either, thats a big thing. I try my very best, being a senior player I turn up every day at training.
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If young guys see me knocking off training for a bit because Im not playing, its not a good example to be setting.
I pride myself on showing up. We have one of the best jobs in the world and its a bit of a hard period if youre not playing, but Im definitely loving it now.
For that reason Reynolds feels for the man that he is now keeping out of first grade in club legend Benji Marshall.
Rugby league is cruel sometimes, Reynolds said.
I consider him a really good mate. The good thing about Benji is he has a massive impact on our team. He talks before our games, in the warm-ups. Thats the respect he has from our playing group because of what hes done. Especially at this club, Benji Marshall pretty much is the Tigers.
Josh Reynolds is back as a regular first grader.Source: Getty Images
He will never lose that, whether hes playing or not.
Reynolds doesnt want to entertain the prospect that he could have prematurely ended Marshalls first grade career.
I dont want to think about that, I really dont, Reynolds said.
Its not what Im out there to do. We both want to be out there playing footy and rugby league is a weird game, you never know whats just round the corner.
Instead Reynolds prefers to focus on the positive steps the club is taking as they aim to turn around the longest finals drought in the NRL, which stretches back to 2011.
Josh Reynolds feels for Benji Marshall due to his demotion.Source: Getty Images
I definitely want to be a part of us moving forward and changing the perception of the team, Reynolds said.
When I first signed at the club, I wanted to take a leadership role and Madge

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