Robbie Farah has offered Josh Reynolds advice on how to deal with his relegation to reserve grade after the Wests Tigers marquee man missed out on round-one NRL selection.
A State of Origin winning halves partner with Trent Hodkinson for NSW less than five years ago, neither Reynolds or his former Canterbury teammate will start when the Tigers take on Manly on Saturday.
Hodkinson was overlooked for Kane Elgey in the No.6 jersey at Manly, picked to come off the bench as a utility option for the Sea Eagles after years of injuries.
For Reynolds, he was dropped to the Western Suburbs Magpies by new coach Michael Maguire and asked to work his way back up after injuries derailed his move to the Tigers last year.
"Obviously it's very difficult for a player like Josh who has played representative footy and is an outstanding player," Farah said.
"I've had a quiet chat with him to make sure he is OK
"It's something I experienced when I was at the Rabbitohs as well. I know how he is feeling and what he is going through.
"He needs some game time and match fitness.
"I think the thinking behind that is there's no point him sitting on the bench for 55 minutes waiting for an opportunity...
"I've got no doubt we'll see him back in the NRL in the not-too-distant future"
One of the competition's most passionate players, Reynolds was injured on the eve of round one last year and struggled to get back on the field in 2018 - he played just five games.
In his spot club legend Benji Marshall - who also experienced the rigours of reserve grade in Brisbane - thrived alongside halfback Luke Brooks to claim the No.6 jersey to start 2019.
The Tigers also have Elijah Taylor, Ryan Matterson and Michael Chee Kam in their 17, all of whom can be used as utilities.
"We know he is a big part of our squad," Marshall, who will captain the Tigers at Leichhardt Oval in the absence of injured fullback Moses Mbye, said.
"This is round one, this isn't permanent for the whole season.
"Everyone thinks round one he's not in the 17 so he's not going to be in the side all year but it's not.
"Round two we might need someone on the bench or I might have a shocker in round one."
