Josh Reynolds admits he faces a steep learning curve as he takes over the Wests Tigers’ No.9 jersey.
Reynolds has been named to start at dummy-half for Saturday’s NRL clash with Newcastle, who are expected to blood teen sensation Bradman Best.
With Robbie Farah (broken leg) racing the clock to get back on the park before retiring at season’s end and Jacob Liddle suffering a campaign-ending torn ACL, Reynolds has been recalled for his first first-grade game in four months.
Reynolds had debuted for Canterbury at No.9 in 2011 but hasn’t played there in eight years.
“Not much, I played a bit early,” Reynolds said of his experience at dummy-half.
“My first year, I played 10 games off the bench as a No.9. And throughout my career, maybe every now and then, but never consistently.
“It’s a tough position – you’ve got to have the lungs for it, but I sort of enjoy it – sniffing around the ruck and picking on some tired forwards. I’m in the position now where I’m just happy to be playing first grade.”
Outgoing Knights coach Nathan Brown has named exciting outside back Best on an extended bench but he is expected to come into the starting side at Campbelltown Stadium.
This is despite only turning 18 earlier in the month and having just three NSW Cup games under his belt.
South Sydney talisman Sam Burgess will be given until kickoff to prove his fitness.
Burgess is in doubt after aggravating a quad injury during last week’s defeat to Canterbury but has been named by Wayne Bennett.
He was restricted to light duties on Tuesday as Souths trained at Redfern Oval, however he told teammates he wanted to play.
“We’ve got a couple of boys out already; I think they’re going to give him right up until kickoff,” Souths hooker Damien Cook said.
“He’s confident he’ll play. But Sam would play every week if he could.”
Sean O’Sullivan will wear the No.7 jersey for Brisbane against the Rabbitohs in place of Jake Turpin (suspension), while Matt Gillett (back) is a big inclusion.
Scott Bolton will start at prop. Matt Scott, who suffered a mild stroke on the weekend, was ruled out.
Penrith will be without winger Josh Mansour (back) against North Quensland with teen Stephen Crichton to come in.
Warriors hooker Issac Luke makes his comeback from suspension, while David Fusitu’a returns from a five-week layoff with a hamstring complaint.
Cronulla will shift Josh Dugan to fullback for Matt Moylan (hamstring), while Andrew Fifita makes a welcome return against the Warriors.
St George Illawarra have dropped winger Mikaele Ravalawa in favour of Jonus Pearson and Jackson Ford will start against the Sydney Roosters in only his third first-grade game.
The Roosters welcome back Siosiua Taukeiaho from a calf injury.
