Newcastlerabbit
Coach
- Messages
- 14,937
Josh Massoud
The Daily Telegraph
January 19, 2013 12:00AM
Josh Reynolds (L) and Adam Reynolds at a short training session at Moore Park. Picture: Mark Evans
SINCE the family tradition began in his childhood, Adam Reynolds has always associated State of Origin with takeaway pizza in front of the television.
But yesterday the Rabbitohs halfback moved a step closer to a call-up when he joined a cast of Blues hopefuls at the annual NSW Emerging Origin camp in Coogee.
The 22-year-old admitted to feeling nervous, having not even made his NRL debut this time last year.
"It's a bit of a blur really, everything has happened so fast," he said. "I'm already a bit nervous, but very excited too. We used to sit at home and watch Origin as a family with pizzas.
"I grew up watching Andrew Johns - he was an idol of the game.
"So it's really good to be in a position where I can get myself into (NSW) Origin contention."
The rewards continued for the 2012 Rookie of the Year Award this week, with fans voting him into the NRL All-Stars team above Test half Cooper Cronk.
Next month's season opener will give Reynolds a taste of the raucous atmosphere of Suncorp Stadium, which will prove invaluable should he happen to crack the Blues side this series.
"We went on tour up to Queensland with Souths and got booed," he laughed.
"Other than that, I've only played in an Under 17s match (for NSW).
"Guys who've played Origin at Souths tell me what it's like all the time and how to handle the week."
ADAM REYNOLDS WITH JAMAL IDRIS
Adam Reynolds with Jamal Idris talk during the emerging Blues camp at Coogee. Picture: Mark Evans Source:
New Blues coach Laurie Daley will also be keeping a close eye on how the next generation handles this weekend - and also the opening two months of premiership matches.
Current Blues players Robbie Farah, Jarryd Hayne and Josh Morris will also address the players tonight, leaving Daley with the job of assessing how the aspirants apply the advice they've received.
"It's about understanding what's needed at Origin level and what people are looking for with their performances," he said. "We're not going to improve their skill levels in two days, but we will discuss what actions we're looking for."
Daley said he was most impressed with Reynolds' composure and kicking last year, but knows a tougher test awaits in 2013.
"He will be placed under a lot more pressure this year, so it will be interesting to see how he handles that," Daley said.
"Hopefully he can and if he does it will give us plenty of depth in the halves."
The other intriguing half at the camp is Bulldog Josh Reynolds, who attracted calls for a call-up midway through last year.
"I don't think he was ready last year," Daley said.
"I think he was just trying to establish himself in that Canterbury side and he did that.
"He's got to go again now - he can't just be satisfied with last year and I'm sure he's working hard under Des (Hasler) at Canterbury."
The only absences from the initial 22-man squad were BJ Leilua and Feleti Mateo, with the latter prevented from flying from Auckland after injuring his neck on Thursday.
Daley also welcomed his assistant coaching staff into the camp: Trent Barrett, Brad Fittler, Jim Dymock, Matt Parish and Paul McGregor.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...ging-blues-squad/story-e6frexnr-1226557048573
The Daily Telegraph
January 19, 2013 12:00AM
Josh Reynolds (L) and Adam Reynolds at a short training session at Moore Park. Picture: Mark Evans
SINCE the family tradition began in his childhood, Adam Reynolds has always associated State of Origin with takeaway pizza in front of the television.
But yesterday the Rabbitohs halfback moved a step closer to a call-up when he joined a cast of Blues hopefuls at the annual NSW Emerging Origin camp in Coogee.
The 22-year-old admitted to feeling nervous, having not even made his NRL debut this time last year.
"It's a bit of a blur really, everything has happened so fast," he said. "I'm already a bit nervous, but very excited too. We used to sit at home and watch Origin as a family with pizzas.
"I grew up watching Andrew Johns - he was an idol of the game.
"So it's really good to be in a position where I can get myself into (NSW) Origin contention."
The rewards continued for the 2012 Rookie of the Year Award this week, with fans voting him into the NRL All-Stars team above Test half Cooper Cronk.
Next month's season opener will give Reynolds a taste of the raucous atmosphere of Suncorp Stadium, which will prove invaluable should he happen to crack the Blues side this series.
"We went on tour up to Queensland with Souths and got booed," he laughed.
"Other than that, I've only played in an Under 17s match (for NSW).
"Guys who've played Origin at Souths tell me what it's like all the time and how to handle the week."
ADAM REYNOLDS WITH JAMAL IDRIS
Adam Reynolds with Jamal Idris talk during the emerging Blues camp at Coogee. Picture: Mark Evans Source:
New Blues coach Laurie Daley will also be keeping a close eye on how the next generation handles this weekend - and also the opening two months of premiership matches.
Current Blues players Robbie Farah, Jarryd Hayne and Josh Morris will also address the players tonight, leaving Daley with the job of assessing how the aspirants apply the advice they've received.
"It's about understanding what's needed at Origin level and what people are looking for with their performances," he said. "We're not going to improve their skill levels in two days, but we will discuss what actions we're looking for."
Daley said he was most impressed with Reynolds' composure and kicking last year, but knows a tougher test awaits in 2013.
"He will be placed under a lot more pressure this year, so it will be interesting to see how he handles that," Daley said.
"Hopefully he can and if he does it will give us plenty of depth in the halves."
The other intriguing half at the camp is Bulldog Josh Reynolds, who attracted calls for a call-up midway through last year.
"I don't think he was ready last year," Daley said.
"I think he was just trying to establish himself in that Canterbury side and he did that.
"He's got to go again now - he can't just be satisfied with last year and I'm sure he's working hard under Des (Hasler) at Canterbury."
The only absences from the initial 22-man squad were BJ Leilua and Feleti Mateo, with the latter prevented from flying from Auckland after injuring his neck on Thursday.
Daley also welcomed his assistant coaching staff into the camp: Trent Barrett, Brad Fittler, Jim Dymock, Matt Parish and Paul McGregor.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...ging-blues-squad/story-e6frexnr-1226557048573
