Brother of ex-NRL star Josh Reynolds charged over anti-lockdown rally

As his ex-NRL star brother recovered from Covid symptoms, Drew Reynolds joined thousands to protest against Sydney’s lockdown.

The brother of ex-NRL star Josh Reynolds, who contracted COVID-19 last year in the UK, has been charged after attending the anti-lockdown protest in Sydney.

Drew Reynolds was arrested at his Belmore home this afternoon after posting videos and photographs on social media at the rally last week.

Drew Reynolds. Picture: Instagram

Drew Reynolds. Picture: Instagram

One video was captioned “FREEDOM!! WE ALL UNITE AS ONE AGAINST THE EVIL!!” and another captured someone yelling at police to “stand down”.

Reynolds, who wore a mask to the protest with several others, was charged with possessing fireworks and breaching a public health order.

A picture of the rally Drew Reynolds posted on Instagram.

A picture of the rally Drew Reynolds posted on Instagram.

It is alleged Reynolds let off a Roman candle in the middle of the anti-lockdown rally that filled the CBD last Saturday.

He is the younger brother Josh Reynolds, the former Bulldogs and West Tigers five-eighth who moved to the English Super League last year.

Josh revealed earlier this month he was battling severe symptoms from coronavirus in the UK.

Josh Reynolds left the NRL’s Tigers in December last year to move to the UK and play in the English Super League. Picture: AAP Image/Brendon Thorne

Reynolds said he was “rattled” and struggled with severe symptoms after contracting the disease while playing for Hull FC.

“I have never felt that weak in my body,” Reynolds told the Big Sports Breakfast.

“(I had) all the symptoms, no smell, really bad sweats. Really aching and a bad migraine.

“I can assure you, you don’t want to be picking it up. It’s not a nice thing to have. I woke up and I didn’t feel great.

“There was one night, I felt like I couldn’t breathe properly. I live a bit away from everyone and hospital. I was contemplating what to do.

“I’m on the mend. I feel a lot better.”

Drew was granted condition bail to appear in court at a later date.