Canterbury legend Steve Mortimer has offered to mentor Josh Reynolds in a bid to calm the Bulldogs playmaker's volatile demeanour.
By his own admission Mortimer began his first grade career in 1976 as a young firebrand. But he was able to better channel his energy through the help of Bob McCarthy to go on to enjoy one of rugby league's most illustrious careers.
Reynolds' overexcitable approach has been on display several times this year, including in his on-field spat with teammate Michael Lichaa two weeks ago.
Mortimer believes Reynolds can become one of the NRL's most important players if he can tone down his approach.
That is where Mortimer, who won three premierships with the Bulldogs and played for NSW and Australia, comes in.
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"I think Josh's season so far is six out of 10, but he can go higher," Mortimer told AAP.
"He gets fired up a little bit too much, he is a little bit like me a long time ago. But I had a mentor and became cool, calm and collected and that is what he needs to do.
"He is a good player he is a freakish attacking player. I think he will mature well and understand that you can take a calmer approach."
McCarthy moved to Belmore from Redfern for two finals seasons after earning a reputation as one of South Sydney's greatest ever players.
"My mentor was Bob McCarthy, he came the same time as me in 1976 and Macca could see, I guess, my skills and talent and he said you keep playing the way you do and we will go alright, you just need to calm down some and he helped me with that," Mortimer said.
"It never hurts to have someone to speak to and you know what I would be happy to do that with Josh.
"I don't want to push myself in there but if (coach) Des (Hasler) thinks it is appropriate I would be happy to do that.
"Josh is a good young bloke who has a good heart."
