Canterbury five-eighth Josh Reynolds says he understands why the Bulldogs are chasing Test pivot Johnathan Thurston, but doesn’t believe it will affect his own future at the NRL club.

The Bulldogs were exposed as suitors for Thurston – who comes off contract at the end of the 2013 season – when the North Queensland co-captain was photographed leaving their Belmore headquarters last month.

Reynolds and the unheralded Kris Keating combined to steer the Bulldogs to this year’s NRL grand final, but it is obvious with the club’s pursuit of Thurston that coach Des Hasler is seeking an upgrade.

But Reynolds, himself off contract after 2013 following a breakout campaign in 2012, welcomed the club’s chase of the Queensland and Australian playmaker.

“I don’t take it as anything towards myself – any club in the world would love to have JT there,” Reynolds told AAP.

“He’s one of the best players in the world.

“Obviously the Bulldogs want the best, I don’t think it would have too much to do with me.”

But while Bulldogs fans are salivating the prospect of a Thurston return – after he made his first grade debut with the club in 2002 – Reynolds wasn’t too confident of the club’s chances of luring the brilliant playmaker.

“I don’t think he’s going to come,” Reynolds offered.

Even if he does come however, Thurston would not be at Belmore until 2014, and Reynolds is determined to build on his stellar 2012 form to secure a new contract of his own.

It may also be enough to secure him a sky blue jumper for the State of Origin series.

“Hopefully I can go up another level,” Reynolds said.

“It’s something every player dreams of, I’d love to play for my state, but I really want to concentrate on not having a slow start to the season.

“Teams are going to be out to hunt us, we want to start well and if the team’s playing well hopefully I’m playing well.”