Trent Hodkinson had some timely advice for departing Canterbury playmaker Josh Reynolds ahead of his final game at Belmore: just enjoy it.
The pair spent four seasons as halves partners, and were the combination which finally delivered NSW a State of Origin series victory in 2014. They also helped take the Bulldogs to a grand final the same year.
However, in Reynolds' final home game for Canterbury at their traditional base, he will clash with his former teammate, who is now desperate to find his way again at Newcastle.
"It's pretty funny how it all works out," Reynolds said.
"We accomplished some really cool things here at this club and he was great for the club and now we're going up against each other in my last hit-out at Belmore."
Reynolds has been overcome with emotions heading into Sunday's clash.
Well aware it is a virtual must-win game for the Bulldogs, the hugely passionate 28-year-old will run out through a dedicated banner to a hill named in his honour.
He has admitted there will likely be tears comes Sunday afternoon, but is worried that if he takes too much emotion into the game, it could hurt his own performance.
Reynolds took some advice from his former teammate when he messaged him on Thursday morning.
"(Trent) just said make it a good experience as a footy game," he said.
Hodkinson also joked that he could end up chanting Reynolds' name from the opposite side of the field, such is the build-up to the clash.
But realistically, the match means much more to the former Bulldogs halfback.
Lining up in the No.6 jersey for Newcastle, he is just two weeks into his return from a long stint in reserve grade.
He had an off afternoon against the Wests Tigers last Sunday, and remains under pressure to keep his place after coach Nathan Brown suggested this week fellow half Brock Lamb would soon return to the NRL from NSW Cup.
Meanwhile, Reynolds too must drive an attacking change for the Bulldogs.
Canterbury are ranked last in the competition for attack, and according to Fox Sports Stats, their record of 13.8 points per game is the lowest they have been through 17 rounds in the NRL era.
But fullback Will Hopoate said they had attempted to make changes to their set-up in recent weeks.
"We've tried to change a few things up in terms of our attacking structure," he said.
"We believe that once we get it down pat then we can get some more points on the board. Obviously it's something we're still trying to work on."
STATS THAT MATTER:
* The Bulldogs are ranked last in line breaks (3.3) and tries scored per game (2.5).
* Newcastle haven't won away from home in 685 days.
* The Knights average just 1147 running metres per match, the lowest in the NRL.
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