Wests Tigers coach Michael Maguire has urged out-of-favour playmaker Josh Reynolds to grow in other parts of his game before being recalled to the NRL.
Reynolds was a surprise omission by the new coach from their 17-man line-up to face Manly in their season-opener on Saturday.
Lured to Concord on a reported $3 million deal over four seasons last year, Reynolds is expected to turn out for Western Suburbs in the reserve grade curtain-raiser.
It is the latest blow in what has so far been a tough move to the Tigers for Reynolds, who managed just five games in his maiden season due to injuries.
However Maguire insisted the former NSW Origin winner took the news well.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
"He understands where we are at the moment. Things can change very quickly in our game. We do know that, and he knows that," Maguire said.
"It's about just preparing himself.
"I just want to see him get out and start enjoying his football."
The premiership-winning coach said he had identified certain areas in Reynolds' game that needed improvement.
"I've sat down with Josh, looked at his game. I think there's a lot of growth in his game as well," Maguire said.
"I really like his style. Obviously he's a real competitor, but there's other things in his game that I want him to grow."
Getting confidence in a battered body that has undergone hamstring, wrist and groin issues over the past year alone, is also a priority.
"He's had some issues with his body over the last couple of years and it's going to take a bit of time," Maguire said.
"You've got to have a bit of patience when you go through these sort of things. And a champion player's come out at that time. He's going to be no different."
