Josh Reynolds excited for new challenge at Hull under familiar face Brett Hodgson

Drew Darbyshire

Hull’s star recruit Josh Reynolds is excited to start a new chapter of his career in England and is looking forward to continuing his strong bond with coach Brett Hodgson.

The 31-year-old former State of Origin half-back has joined Hull from NRL side Wests Tigers on a two-year deal, with an option of a third year.

Reynolds played in two Grand Finals for Canterbury Bulldogs and now is looking forward to experiencing Super League rugby with Hull.

He said: “It’s obviously a very different experience from back home but it’s a challenge and it’s probably the most I’ve been challenged in pre-season to be completely honest, with the conditions and adapting to things on and off the field.

“All the boys have been really good, it has actually made it a lot easier. Obviously coming over here and moving to a new club isn’t always the easiest thing but I can honestly say that all players and staff at the club have been really helpful in helping me find my feet.

“I didn’t play much for the last couple of years but I feel really good. I’m not going to try to set the world on fire straight away, I just want to get back to doing the little things right. I feel when I do that, it’s when I play my best footy.”

Reynolds is excited to continue playing under new Hull coach Brett Hodgson, who he worked with when the pair were at Wests Tigers.

He added: “I’ve had the privilege of working with Brett for a while. The one thing I know already is that he cares.

“Some coaches get caught up in winning and results and I know thats what he is paid for and what we’re paid for but I know in the end he is going to care for you off the field and that is a reason why I came over.

“I know he understands it is a big commitment coming over here by myself and he is always checking up on me not as a coach – but as a friend.

“I know all the boys get that same sort of feeling and I think that is what is going to get the best sort of results because thats the type of coach you want to play for.”

Hull reached the play-offs last season before being knocked out by Wigan in the semi-finals – and Reynolds is keen to see where the Black and Whites can go in 2021.

He said: “Everyone wants to work hard and get better in what they do. Brett has put a big emphasis on improving everyday and I think we actually are.

“Training has been good and even when we have had a bad session we pull up as a crew and say it isn’t up to the standards that we want to live up to and it has been really good.

“We’ve still got a far bit of pre-season to go but its fair to say we are building in the right direction.

“When we are gelling as a team it will be good to see what heights we can get to this year.”

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