‘Prince of Belmore’ Josh Reynolds makes a fairytale return to Canterbury after ticking a crucial box

Josh Reynolds has sealed a fairytale homecoming to Canterbury after the club confirmed the veteran had agreed to a one-year deal with NRL.

Reynolds, who was affectionately known as ‘The Fresh Prince of Belmore’ during his 138 games at the club, will be given the opportunity to add to his playing tally after being upgraded from a $1,000-a-week coaching contract.

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The 33-year-old’s career was on the line after difficult spells at Wests Tigers and Hull FC last season but he has earned his way into Cameron Ciraldo’s top-30 squad.

“We felt his leadership qualities and his competitiveness, we wanted to transfer that to the squad,” said Bulldogs coach Ciraldo.

“It was up to him to show us that his body could take anything and he did really well in that regard.”

Reynolds, who made his debut for Canterbury in 2011, left Belmore in late 2017 and will likely act as cover for first-choice half-pairs of Matt Burton and Kyle Flanagan.

Elsewhere, Penrith back rower Liam Martin has agreed to a new contract extension that will keep him in the NRL Premiers incumbent until the end of 2024.

The 25-year-old has been instrumental in the Panthers’ recent success and has gone on to earn representative awards for NSW and Australia.

Martin has already been signed for the coming season and the one-year extension will prevent rival clubs from trying to poach him from the club.

Penrith said they would try to offer him a longer contract once salary caps for upcoming seasons and the game’s collective bargaining agreement were settled.

“Liam embodies the qualities we value at our club, which shows in his determination, courage and relentless drive to succeed,” said Matt Cameron, Penrith boss of football.

“We look forward to continuing discussions with Liam’s management about future seasons following the NRL’s ratification of the salary cap position as part of the ongoing CBA negotiations.”