Wests Tigers’ trial against Penrith could be crucial for Josh Reynolds and Billy Walters
When Wests Tigers run out for their pre-season trial against Penrith on Saturday, two players at opposite ends of their careers will be chasing for first crack at the bench utility spot.
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One is the son of a champion trying to forge his own path in the NRL, the other is one of the fiercest competitors hoping to get his career back on track and put a summer of off-field scandal behind him.
But when Wests Tigers run out for their first pre-season trial against Penrith on Saturday, Billy Walters and Josh Reynolds will be chasing the same opportunity which is to get first crack at the bench utility spot for the upcoming season.
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While Michael Maguire will not be playing the majority of his biggest names including Luke Brooks and Benji Marshall, as well as the likely first choice dummy half Moses Mbye, new buy Adam Doueihi will be playing along with Luciano Leilua, but brother Joey won’t play.
Walters will start at hooker against the Panthers with Reynolds at five-eighth partnering young Jock Madden, but the veteran will also play part of the game at dummy half and Walters will get his go at five-eighth.
While he’s 26, Walters has made the move up from Melbourne this year to try and advance his career after finally getting his NRL debut last season and he’s putting his best foot forward after impressing at the NRL Nines.
Reynolds was recently given the green light to continue playing as he fights charges relating to an ugly personal situation and allegations that he has pleaded not guilty to.
Given Brooks and Marshall are the first choice halves pairing, you’d imagine there will only be room for either Walters or Reynolds when the season proper gets underway.
Madden is also a former Australian schoolboy halfback who will be hoping to impress in his first crack at the top level.
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Corey Thompson, David Nofoaluma, Robert Jennings along with forwards Josh Aloiai, Luke Garner and Thomas Mikaele also won’t play this weekend.
Former South Sydney premiership winning backrower Chris McQueen will play as he looks to resurrect his career after only making six NRL appearances in 2019.
McQueen has trained well throughout the pre-season and needs a big year given he is off contract at the end of the season.
The Tigers will play the Warriors next weekend with most of the first choice squad expected to play.
Originally published as Wests Tigers’ trial against Penrith could be crucial for Josh Reynolds and Billy Walters