Adam Reynolds has claimed bragging rights over Johnathan Thurston only once since 2014 and Saturday's NRL clash against the North Queensland maestro is a challenge he's embracing.
Not only is it a crunch match-up for South Sydney after a mixed opening month, it's the ultimate challenge for Rabbitohs halfback Reynolds coming up against a man he considers a future rugby league Immortal.
"He's a great competitor. He's a guy that I look up to and I love sharing the field with him," Reynolds said of the man many consider the greatest No.7 of all time.
Victories over the four-time Dally M winner have been few and far between for Reynolds.
Since 2014 Reynolds has won just one clash against Thurston across State of Origin and club football - in round 23 in 2015.
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"He just competes on every play," Reynolds says when asked what makes Thurston great.
"He just competes on every play, the ball's never dead to him. He's always popping up in places halfbacks don't pop up in. His involvement in the game is second to none.
"There's obviously a lot to him other than competing but he's like no other."
While Reynolds was keen to play down any State of Origin ramifications for the match up, Blues coach Laurie Daley will be watching closely to see how he handles the Queensland and Australian great.
Reynolds played in losing sides in the Blues' opening two Origin matches last year and is fighting to regain his state jumper after missing NSW's game three dead rubber win through injury.
"It's good to play against him, he's a future Immortal," Reynolds said.
"Anytime you take the field with those sort of players you try to make the most of it."
