Selfless reason Josh Reynolds’ quit NRL, breaks down in emotional scenes

Bulldogs cult hero Josh Reynolds’ may not have been able to go out a winner in his final match but he’s been given an all-time send off.

Josh Reynolds was emotional as he retired.

Bulldogs cult hero Josh Reynolds’ has gone down to the North Sydney Bears 30-6 in the NSW Cup in his final professional game, before delivering an emotional tribute post-match.

The veteran playmaker announced his retirement from rugby league on Monday and gave Canterbury-Bankstown faithful his final goodbye on Saturday afternoon.

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Former Bulldogs star Michael Ennis said Reynolds would be “one of the absolute legends of this club”.

The 34-year-old’s family and friends were all present to celebrate his swan song, with Reynolds applauding the sold-out Belmore crowd after the match.

Fighting through tears, Reynolds said: “There’s nothing like (Belmore), I have had so many of my best memories here, to be able to finish it here today in front of people who have been here the whole time is pretty special.

“We grew up up the road up at nan’s house and we just were constantly in the area and it honestly means a lot to me.

“I didn’t want the boys to win for me today I wanted them to do it for the badge, because it honestly means the world to me.

“It really does, this place does, this area does and I will forever be grateful for what it’s done for me.”

While they were emotional scenes, they were far from an ideal send off for the retiring star with his side thrashed in NSW Cup, while the NRL side was thumped 44-24 by the Broncos.

He also explained why he knew it was time to hang up the boots.

“Still right now I wanted to compete my backside off, but I just can’t anymore and there comes a time when you have just got to come to terms with it,” Reynolds said.

“It’s an unbelievable week.”

Josh Reynolds runs onto the field for the last time. Picture: Adam Yip

Reynolds walked around the ground and was met with widespread applause from all corners of the Bulldogs’ home ground.

Ahead of the 2023 season Reynolds was awarded a shock train-and-trial deal with season after proving his worth to incoming coach Cameron Ciraldo in pre-season.

The contract capped off an impressive return to the NRL, having played seven seasons for the club before moving to the Tigers in 2018 and then the Super League in 2021.

However, in a selfless move Reynolds gave up his contract prior to the club signing Toby Sexton in an immediate switch from the Titans.

“To be completely honest it was an easy decision for me, I got sick of holding people back,” Reynolds said.

“I had a really good think and I wanted to come back and do what’s best for the club... and it just clicked one night.

“I like to think I am still King Kong and match it with these boys but I just can’t, so it was just a nice touch I was able to do that for someone.

“That’s all she wrote.”

Coming on to the field Reynolds was also welcomed via a guard of honour with the Bulldogs squad all celebrating his terrific career.

Josh Reynolds running out for the last time. Picture: Adam Yip

There were emotional scenes as Josh Reynolds farewelled the Bulldogs.

There were emotional scenes as Josh Reynolds farewelled the Bulldogs.

“He is just blue and white through and though, and an absolute champion,” Michael Ennis said.

“What a lovable larrikin, he can talks to kings and queens and he can talk to the punters on the hill, I can understand why they love him so much,” Steve Roach said.

Josh Reynolds is suiting up for the last time and Belmore is ready to send him off in style 👏 pic.twitter.com/wQGzaUFzTI

— Fox League (@FOXNRL) July 15, 2023

NSW Cup coach David Tangata-Toa spoke glowingly of the veteran playmaker ahead of his side’s Saturday afternoon clash.

“It’s been a bit of an emotional week for Josh, they are talking about a big crowd being here,” Tangata-Toa said to Fox League’s Darcie McDonald.

“He’s been great, older and experienced player around our group. We have some young playmakers in our team, he’s been great for those players coming through.”

Speaking as Reynolds ran on the field, commentator Mark Carroll said he had “tears running down my face” following the special scenes.

Originally published as Selfless reason Josh Reynolds’ quit NRL, breaks down in emotional scenes