Josh Reynolds has answered Michael Maguire's NRL calling in inspiring style, setting up two tries in his first NRL game since round 16 last year.
The former Bulldog's boot had the ball on a string, causing nightmares for Panthers fullback Dylan Edwards in the first half with a number of sliding grubbers in the damp conditions at Panthers Stadium.
Reynolds' targeting of Edwards played a part in his demotion to the wing, making three first half errors with two coming off the deadly kicks.
MORE: Dylan Edwards shafted to the wing after costly blunders
The passionate Tigers five-eighth then caught the Panthers No.1 out positionally to set up Corey Thompson in the corner.
Tigers bag the first try!
— NRL on Nine (@NRLonNine) April 5, 2019
Watch Friday night footy on @Channel9#NRL #9WWOS #NRLPanthersTigers pic.twitter.com/yZ0pKJcN8Z
Then after Ivan Cleary was forced to make a positional switch at the back, Kiwi international Dallin Watene-Zelezniak was Reynolds' next victim.
Most of his kicks during the night had slid across the ground, but his next grubber was a gem, perfectly bouncing into the chest of Ryan Matterson for the Tigers's second try.
Josh Reynolds is making a statement tonight.#NRL #9WWOS #NRLPanthersTigers pic.twitter.com/sNaJh1lrcZ
— NRL on Nine (@NRLonNine) April 5, 2019
With nine minutes to go, Reynolds looked to ice the game with a field goal but he sliced it straight into the goal-post.
While he wasn't able to close out the game, the performance has given Maguire some food for thought when veteran Benji Marshall returns from a hamstring injury, however there is no clear date on his return.
