The recruitment of Billy Walters has not stopped Wests Tigers coach Michael Maguire from tipping out of favour utility Josh Reynolds to become the NRL club’s first-choice hooker in 2020.
After signing a two-year deal, ex-Melbourne playmaker Walters was expected to be in the mix for the joint venture’s No.9 jersey next season following Robbie Farah’s retirement and with Jacob Liddle returning from a serious knee injury.
However, Maguire said he had Reynolds in mind to take over at rake despite speculation the former NSW playmaker was considering leaving at season’s end after a frustrating Tigers stint.
Former Canterbury star Reynolds was limited to just seven games this year, returning to the side to come off the bench in the last three rounds following the luckless Liddle’s ACL tear.
Former Sydney Rooster Ryan Matterson moved from the back-row to starting hooker for those last three matches to cover Liddle but last week he was granted permission to negotiate with rival clubs.
It left a question mark over the Tigers’ No.9 jersey for 2020 – until now.
Asked what was Reynolds’ best position, Maguire told the Tigers website: “At the moment, I think No.9 there is a definite opportunity going on there.
“I’ve had discussions with him and he really enjoyed that towards the back end of the season.
“One thing I did see early on the season is him learning a different style of game.
“We all know Josh that sometimes he is flat out and unfortunately at times, it can be a detriment to what he is trying to achieve.
“But I really saw a maturity around his game early in the pre-season so I’m looking forward to this pre-season (to develop it).”
Farah’s departure and Liddle’s injury had sparked speculation Maguire may look at recruiting the likes of out of favour Broncos rake Andrew McCullough.
But Maguire said he had plenty of No.9 options thanks to Reynolds’ availability and the recruitment of Queensland coach Kevin Walters’ son Billy.
“And I have got guys like Moses Mbye who can get into nine if need be and Billy Walters is coming to the club,” Maguire said.
“I am looking forward to seeing Billy come on board and doing a few things that his old man did in the past.”
Meanwhile, Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe said 2019 revelation Matterson had been granted permission to speak with other clubs but wouldn’t be released “unless there is a favourable outcome”.
“Ryan still has two years left on his contract,” Pascoe told the Tigers website.
Pascoe also confirmed they expected to announce the re-signing of veterans Benji Marshall and Chris Lawrence sooner rather than later.
He also did not rule out interest in St George Illawarra back-rower Tyson Frizell.
“We are always looking at our roster, and we are always looking for quality players and certainly he fits that mould,” Pascoe said of Frizell.