Josh Reynolds signing will give Wests Tigers some much-needed mongrel

IVAN Cleary’s plan to put some mongrel back into the Wests Tigers pack continued with the signing of Josh ‘Grub’ Reynolds on a four-year, $3 million deal.

IVAN Cleary’s plan to put some much-needed mongrel back into the Wests Tigers pack continued with the club signing five-eighth Josh ‘Grub’ Reynolds to a four-year, $3 million deal.

Reynolds’ whopping deal came less than 24 hours after Kiwi enforcer Ben Matulino signed a three-year deal with the club, with the Tigers to now turn their sights to St George Illawarra prop Russell Packer.

Widely regarded as a club known for being flashy rather than fierce, the Tigers are certain to change that reputation should Cleary continue to snap up the tough guys on his hit list.

The joint venture remains open to welcoming back Penrith playmaker Te Maire Martin in the coming weeks, which would allow Mitchell Moses to link with Parramatta.

SWITCH: What does Reynolds signing mean for Tigers?

Reynolds chats with James Graham at training. Photo: Brett Costello

Despite the recent aggressive recruitment drive — winger David Nofoaluma signed a new four-year deal, while hooker Jacob Liddle is tipped to extend his stay — The Daily Telegraph understands the Tigers could still afford fullback James Tedesco and skipper Aaron Woods if they wanted to stay.

Woods has for several years urged the club to chase a forward with some mongrel, only to see that delivered now he is heading out the door.

An emotional Reynolds broke the news to his teammates before training on Wednesday, and was spotted embracing several teammates on the side of Belmore Oval.

A proud Canterbury junior, Reynolds informed club officials of his agonising decision to quit the club on Tuesday.

Reynolds had held out for a new deal, but the money from the Tigers was nowhere near what the Bulldogs were prepared to match, especially with fellow playmaker Kieran Foran in their future plans.

LEAGUE CENTRAL PODCAST: David Riccio and Michael Carayannis join Fiona Bollen to discuss Josh Reynolds’ big bucks move, his true value and how Dogs fans will react.

The Tigers love the fact Reynolds oozes aggression and competitiveness. He has often admitted to being too caught up in the moment on the field.

Time will tell if his love for the Bulldogs can be transferred to Tiger Town.

As new Bulldogs teammate Brenko Lee said: “He’s one guy when you look at in the sheds, you know he won’t let you down, and he’s the one person you don’t want to look at if you’ve played a shit game because you’ll know he’s given his all and left everything out there.

“He wears his heart on his sleeve, and there aren’t many players like that left around.’’

Tigers insiders believe Reynolds’ big-game experience will allow halfback Luke Brooks to take his own game to the next level.

There were some concerns Moses often dominated the calls on the field, which had stunted Brooks’ development.

Brooks told The Daily Telegraph some Tigers teammates had asked Reynolds about the possible move to Concord after their gritty win over the Bulldogs on Sunday.

Brooks is looking forward to playing alongside Reynolds. (AAP Image/Paul Miller)

Brooks first learned about his new halves partner while ‘’scrolling through Facebook’’ before training on Wednesday.

“Something is always popping up there about us (the Tigers), but when I saw it I was happy, and obviously with Mitch going we needed a good replacement, and he’s a great replacement,’’ Brooks said.

“I think he will fit into our style of play really well. He brings a lot of energy and every play he’s always on the ball. He will complement me well.

“I feel I’m old enough and experienced enough now to control a team, but it will be good having his experience, and he’s played a few Origins.”

The Tigers have won two from three since Cleary took charge in round six. They wasted no time going to market for a playmaker once Moses revealed he had agreed to join the Eels.

The Reynolds deal was thrashed out in less than a fortnight. The Tigers will be chasing another win against Cronulla at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday night.