RUGBY LEAGUE
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NSW coach Laurie Daley didn't see Bulldogs five-eighth Josh Reynolds' man-of-the-match performance against Canberra on Sunday but said he's pleased the the Origin discard has found some form after a difficult start to the 2015 season.
Reynolds scored two tries and kicked a crucial 80th minute field goal in the Bulldogs' 41-34 victory but, as has become all too common for the 26-year-old, he didn't escape scrutiny from the referees after being placed on report for a late challenge on Raiders skipper Jarrod Croker in the first half of the match.
It was a performance that mirrored a similar rocks or diamonds display in the City Country clash in which he effectively played himself out of his Blues jumper after being placed on report for two separate incidents. The performance against the Raiders came too late for Game I but Daley said he certainly hasn't put a permanent line through Reynolds name for future series.
"I didn't get the chance to see it but by all reports Josh played well and I'm happy for him," Daley said.
"I'm really excited that he went back and played really well. I think that he's a guy that can be back in this arena and will be back in the arena."
Reynolds' halves partner Trent Hodkinson has been similarly out of form at club level but was spared the Origin axe. Daley said he has complete faith in Hodkinson and makeshift five-eighth Mitch Pearce, who earned an Origin recall at Reynolds' expense.
"Every player has a role to play and we need them to do that the best they possibly can," Daley said.
"If they do that, we'll give a good account of ourselves. I couldn't have asked for anything more. [Hodkinson] is a guy that if you haven't worked with him before you don't know the qualities he brings to a footy team. When you've worked with him, you know what he can add and he adds value.
"He's calm, he's got great composure and when he tells them to do something, they do it. He's a leader and he's someone who, at important times in the game, commands respect and the boys will follow his lead."
There was no more maligned figure in the Blues run of eight straight series losses than Pearce but Daley said he's seen a shift in the Roosters captain's demeanour this time around.
"I don't think he's putting too much expectation on himself which is great and we certainly haven't placed any extra expectation on Mitch."