Bulldogs star Reynolds joins the Tigers

Canterbury look set to land Kieran Foran after one of the club’s favourite sons Josh Reynolds announced he was joining the Wests Tigers on a four-year NRL mega deal.

With Reynolds’ future uncertain after the club was linked with Foran, a deal worth a reported $3.2 million was too much to resist for the fiery No.6.

The Dogs had in the past few weeks been deep in negotiations with the former NSW playmaker but admitted they were unable to match the money on offer from the Tigers, who have entered the market aggressively after the loss of Mitchell Moses, Aaron Woods and James Tedesco.

The NRL’s player musical chairs is now in full swing with Foran expected to soon join Woods at the Dogs under respected coach Des Hasler.

Reynolds waived the usual 10-day cooling off period in a seeming attempt to ease the media scrutiny on him over the next fortnight.

It continues the Tigers’ signing spree after they confirmed the signing of Warriors prop Ben Matulino, on a deal worth a reported $800,000 per season.

With Moses to join Parramatta next year, Reynolds looks set to partner with Luke Brooks in the halves with the Tigers No.7 welcoming the move.

“He’d be good for the team. He’s played Origin so he’s got a lot of experience,” Brooks saidof Reynolds.

“I’ll look forward to playing with him.

“He’ll bring a lot of energy and I think he’ll be good for my game.”

Since coach Ivan Cleary’s appointment three weeks ago, the Tigers have moved rapidly to fill the gaps left by the departure of three of their so-called ‘big four’at season’s end.

Former Queensland State of Origin forward Chris McQueen has penned a three-year deal with the Tigers who confirmed the signing a fortnight ago, while David Nofoaluma and Michael Chee Kam have recently signed contract extensions.

Reynolds, who has played all seven seasons of his NRL career at the Bulldogs, said last month the thought of leaving the club made him feel sick in the stomach.

But Canterbury are under salary cap pressure after their big-money plays for decorated stars Woods and New Zealand international Foran.

“Honestly, it is hard for me to think that,” Reynolds said.

“It makes me a bit sick in the stomach.

“I love the club (Canterbury), let’s be honest. I was born there.”

The Bulldogs’ pursuit of Woods had put pressure on Aiden Tolman’s place at the club, but the veteran prop is confident of seeing out his contract in 2018.

Tolman concedes it is a blow for the club to lose effervescent five-eighth Reynolds.

“He’s huge to our club. He basically epitomised what the Bulldogs are about,” Tolman said.

“If he was to go, he’d be a huge loss.

“But we would respect his decision either way.

“He’s got to look after himself, his family and his football as well.”

Intent on restoring a tough edge at the club, the Tigers are chasing prop Russell Packer and his St George Illawarra teammate Josh Dugan.

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