Fan favourite Josh Reynolds expects to be in tears when his farewell game for Canterbury ends.
But the emotional Reynolds is determined to go out on a high in the NRL final-round clash with a desperate St George Illawarra on Sunday and he says there should be no ill will from supporters toward the club hierarchy over his departure.
It was feared five-eighth Reynolds had already played his last game for the club he joined as a junior after he injured a calf muscle in the round-23 loss to South Sydney.
But he was able to declare himself fit on Wednesday to play his 137th and last game for the club before heading off to join neighbours Wests Tigers.
A two-time grand finalist, he is expected to come in for Matt Frawley against the Dragons, who must win to sneak into the top eight.
Sometimes described as the heartbeat of the Bulldogs, 28-year-old Reynolds said it would be a big day for his whole family.
“They’re probably as excited as me and they’re going to be a bit sad afterwards as well,” said Reynolds, who debuted in the NRL in 2011.
“In the end it’s going to be a good last day. The main thing is to finish off on a high and have a good last day with the boys that I’ve played with for such a long time.”
Reynolds is one of the Tigers’ star recruits for next year, along with Russell Packer, Ben Matulino, Benji Marshall and Chris McQueen.
The Bulldogs did negotiate with Reynolds however they did not have the money in their budget to match the Tigers’ four-year offer reportedly worth $3 million.
The loss of Reynolds is a sore point among fans amid a disappointing season with just nine wins and in 12th place going into the final round.
Many fans have vented their frustrations at coach Des Hasler and CEO Raelene Castle, but Reynolds insisted that was misplaced.
“It’s not Des, it’s not Raelene,” he said.
“There’s so many things that go into the negotiations. It’s just what happened.
“I’m not disappointed in anyone. I was presented with a good opportunity and the Bulldogs were at a different stage. That’s how it is.”
