Josh Reynolds returns but Wests Tigers thumped by Panthers
Wests Tigers NRL star Josh Reynolds has spoken out for the first time since being caught up in an ugly off-field drama.
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Update: Wests Tigers utility Josh Reynolds has spoken of his relief at being able to play again after a tumultuous off-field four months.
Reynolds returned to rugby league, playing 60 minutes in the Tigers’ 32-4 trial loss to Penrith at Panthers Stadium.
Saturday night’s trial, while important for the Tigers, was crucial for Reynolds’ preparation ahead of the new season.
“I’m just glad I’m back playing footy because it’s what I love doing,” Reynolds, 30, told The Sunday Telegraph.
Reynolds was charged in December with alleged domestic violence.
He has pleaded not guilty.
“This has been the hardest bit of my career but there was a big weight lifted off my shoulders when I was allowed to play footy,” he said.
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The most difficult chapter of Reynolds’ NRL career began when he took himself to a meeting with the NRL Integrity Unit and police to disclose the nature of his relationship with ex-girlfriend Arabella Del Busso.
It was after Reynolds held the private briefing in October last year that Del Busso filed a complaint against the NRL star. It led to him being charged in December with assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
Since then, myriad of allegations have emerged about Del Busso — including she had numerous relationships with men under nine different names, where she requested money from them for various reasons. Those reasons allegedly include claiming she had brain or cervical cancer.
Del Busso also denies allegations she faked being pregnant to Reynolds three times.
Reynolds, a former NSW Origin star, has been cleared to play this season by the NRL, with his hearing set for April 29 at the Downing Centre.
“I’m not going to lie — I was in a pretty bad place when everything was up in the air because footy is my release,” Reynolds said.
“For the NRL to back me is a great feeling. To step over that white line and play was an awesome feeling.
“Everything is not black and white. I’m just happy (the NRL) understood. I was on the front foot, I’ve done nothing wrong and have nothing to hide — never have. It wasn’t tough at all (going to the NRL) because I know I’ve done nothing wrong. It was just me making sure I had everything covered because I had a bad feeling.”
The Tigers have backed him the whole way.
“The boys and the club have been huge for me,” he said. “I have days that I go home and I sit there and there are stories and this and that. But when I go to training, that all goes away.”
“I can’t thank my friends and family enough —– they never doubted me. I’ve had a lot of support.”
RETURNING TO THE FIELD
The livewire playmaker spent the first 40 minutes at five-eighth last night before shifting to dummy-half in the second half. He faces a battle for a starting position in the opening round against St George Illawarra.
Without being spectacular, Reynolds had a good first hitout. He was the main playmaker for the Tigers in the first half and played with plenty of energy. His only blunder came early in the second half when he missed a tackle, which led to a Panthers try.
Reynolds would love to wear the No. 9 jersey for the season opening against the Dragons, but youngster Billy Walters was given the first crack at the hooking role and did an impressive job in the first 40 minutes.
“I’d love to be playing in the hooker spot, which is up for grabs. If I don’t get that spot, I’m happy to be the utility,” Reynolds said.
“I felt really good [against Penrith], my attack will come. I’m enjoying the role, I’m enjoying going to training and being a bit vulnerable. It’s a good feeling and it’s a big challenge. I just want to be part of this team.”
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RECRUIT IMPRESSES
Wests Tigers recruit Adam Doueihi looked impressive in his first game for the Concord-based club, playing the opening 45 minutes. The former Rabbitoh set up his side’s only try of the night and defused a number of attacking kicks.
The Panthers welcomed back Tyrone May for the first time in 18 months after pleading guilty to four charges of intentionally recording an intimate image without consent.
The 23-year-old playmaker isn’t eligible to return to the NRL until Round 5, but was given the green light to play in the pre-season trial games.
He had his first chance to impress coach Ivan Cleary when he was called on to replace Jarome Luai, who was sent to the sin bin for foul play with 10 minutes to go in the first half.
May – who was sporting a new bleached hairstyle – was one of the best players on the park in the second half.
He scored a classy individual try when he took on the defensive line before assisting youngster Stephen Crichton for another four-pointer with 20 minutes to go.