Many years in the past Josh Reynolds met a younger, starstruck fan by the identify of Jacob Kiraz at a junior rugby league recreation.
Last Sunday the pair fought tooth and nail to ship one of many Bulldogs’ most memorable wins of the previous seven or so years.
Kiraz is a lifelong Dogs supporter and his favorite participant has all the time been Reynolds. His dream was to tug on a blue and white jersey similar to his idol — and in Round 7 final season he did.
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He turned an in a single day sensation with Bulldogs followers.
He additionally caught the attention of Reynolds, who tweeted final July: “Jacob Kiraz is some player,” whereas mulling over his subsequent transfer having simply made the choice to not proceed with Hull within the Super League.
Fast ahead to final November and the pair reunited — this time as teammates.
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A brand new photograph was taken of Reynolds and Kiraz on Sunday. They have been embracing after a 15-14 win over the Cowboys in golden level.
It was Reynolds’ first recreation again within the NRL in over 900 video games and his greatest fan was there to have fun it with him.
Speaking on the Fox League podcast on Monday, Reynolds opened up on his “bromance” with Kiraz — and the way the 21-year-old makes him really feel “so special.”
“The staff put the photo up during the review and all the boys were all like ‘aw yeah…’ because we have a little bit of a bromance and the boys love to take it out of us,” Reynolds laughed.
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“But it’s pretty amazing how — and this is probably a great thing for any NRL player/sportsman — we’ve got such a special privilege to inspire people. You never know when you’re going to inspire the next generation.
“That was at my junior footy club, I think Jacob said he was either playing or watching someone. I remember we had come back from a Friday night win and I went to the junior footy club the next day and just got a photo with him.
“It’s crazy how that happened and now I’m actually playing with him.
“So never take it for granted what a photo or what taking time out of your day can do for kids or anyone in the world. Jacob, he always says it to me and he makes me feel so special. I feel when you give back it’s not about hearing about it, you just do it.”
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Kiraz is simply 19 video games into his NRL profession. He represented Lebanon finally yr’s Rugby League World Cup and sits equal second on the Dally M leaderboard.
Reynolds is signed till the top of this season and though he’s taking issues “week by week,” he has no plans to hold up the boots but.
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But when he does he’ll return the favour to Kiraz and can take a look at him with stars in his eyes.
“I play with this bloke now and I’m going to be the one in 10 year’s time down at the pub going ‘yeah, I took him under my wing that bloke when I was finishing up my career’,” Reynolds smiled.
“I don’t want to put too much pressure on him but the way he’s going, he’s really putting his hand up for some higher honours.
“The type of person he is, he’s got really good drive, he competes, he loves the club.
“He’s going to be another guy that the Bulldogs really embrace and I’m glad that we’ve got this connection that I honestly will remember and cherish forever.”
Source: www.foxsports.com.au