Josh Reynolds has reflected on his first seven days in the UK having joined up with the Black & White squad last Thursday and explained his is enjoying his new experience despite the country being in a national lockdown.
The former Wests Tigers and Canterbury Bulldogs star arrived in the country last week as the lockdown began, but says he is settling in to his new environment well, with the help and support of his new teammates.
Speaking to hullfc.com, he said: “It’s been very different to back home, but apart from the lockdown, I’ve been having a really good time at training.
“The boys have been saying to me “Surely you’re not enjoying this?”. But this really is very different for me – I’ve come from a place where I wasn’t enjoying my footy and wasn’t happy at training every day. But I’m back to being in that good space now.
“The difference for me is that I really love what I do as a job. Walking into a group where there are a couple of lads who don’t mind having a laugh and a joke with you suits me, so the first week has been tough, but in saying that I’m really glad to be here and progressing.”
He added: “The good thing is that everyone has been really welcoming. When you walk into a room, you can tell the vibes that people give off towards you, whether they’re stand-off’ish or not, but they’ve all been great.”
On the challenge of adapting to training in new conditions, he continued: “Thursday was the hardest session for me and my body in a long time, because the track you’re running on is completely different to what you’re used to over in Australia.
“I consider myself a fit player, so I think it is more of a mental challenge to get used to rather than a physical one. It is going to take a bit of use to but I’ll adapt as time progresses.”
And Reynolds explained that he is already starting to form good relationships with his new teammates.
“I’ve spent quite a bit of time with some of the older guys who have all been willing to help me with even the little things like helping me sort out my car or something for my house.
“Adam Swift has been tearing shreds off me about my clothes – him and Jake Connor have been a dynamic duo ganging up on me, but the new guy has to cop it here and there!
“The younger guys here are all really down to earth too, easy to talk to, and really keen to have a chat. For me, it doesn’t matter what you’ve done in the game. We’re all on the same training field and I’ll be happy to help them on their way when they ask for tips and advice.”
On his new half-back partner Marc Sneyd, he added: “We’ve had a good chat. With him being here for a few years now, he knows the squad well and knows how to steer them around the park.
“He’s cool, calm and collected which is ideal for me – having that controlling half in there hopefully will open up the space for the likes of myself, Jake, and the outside backs. I’ve played my best footy in the past when there has been that controlling half in there.”
The half-back also explained he has spent plenty of time catching up with head coach Brett Hodgson, who he followed from Wests ahead of the 2021 campaign.
“I’ve had a good couple of years with him at the Tigers. He knows the game so well and being a half and one of the players that need to lead the team around the park, I’ve just been throwing a few ideas at him this week.
“I’m starting to see what some of the boys strengths are, and how certain players like to play. Knowing how people play helps me in my own game.
“Brett has put a big emphasis on our defense – I know the team are keen to improve that from last season so we’ve been really ripping into each other out on the training field.”
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