An emotional Josh Reynolds has revealed his pain at social media attacks on his family from fans of rival clubs.
Members of the Canterbury five-eighth's family were targeted following his infamous brain snap at Brisbane that earned him a three-match ban shortly after helping NSW win a first State of Origin series against Queensland.
There were also disparaging comments made about his brother who was on remand at Silverwater prison after being charged for possession of illicit drugs and Reynolds revealed it's been a tough few months.
"People can say what they want to me, I can deal with it," he said.
"I only go by what my family and friends think about me. There were things said (to my parents) that weren't on.
"But that's the crazy world of social media. I would tell my mum not worry about it.
"But she would worry about me. I had to be strong for her ... but I think as a family we have come out stronger from it."
Reynolds and fellow Blues teammate Trent Hodkinson came in for criticism for some below-par performances after Origin for the Bulldogs, and the 25-year-old said some of the claims levelled against him were unfair.
"The thing that hurt most was people saying I had changed, as a person," Reynolds said.
"I take pride in who I am, but people were saying I was getting a big head (after Origin) but I have had to develop a thick skin."
Reynolds and Bulldogs skipper Michael Ennis have formed a close bond since he first broke into the NRL side during the 2011 season and he's desperate for the 30-year-old to recover from a fractured foot and take his place in the side for the grand final against South Sydney next week.
He also said the announcement that Ennis would move to Cronulla at the end of the season earlier this year was difficult to take.
"It would be heartbreaking if he didn't get the nod (to play on Sunday) but it would give us an incentive to send him out as the champion he is," he said.
"I know what the club means to him and his family and they love it, they wouldn't want to be anywhere else.
"He knows and everyone else knows that he isn't leaving because he wants extra cash. He wanted to be here with us. But these things happen.
"He's created such a dynasty and I believe he is one of the best captains around."
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