Ex-St Helens star James Graham compares former Hull FC halfback Josh Reynolds to Benji Marshall

Ex-St Helens star James Graham has compared former Hull FC halfback Josh Reynolds to Benji Marshall.

Though perhaps some of you are wondering why, the flame-haired enforcer has explained himself, believing that Reynolds can be the ‘marshal’ on and off the field for the Canterbury Bulldogs if he is expected to join Cameron Ciraldo’s revolution at Belmore for 2023.

“The fact that he has to earn the trust of the coach (Ciraldo) and everyone at the club speaks volumes,’’ Graham told the Daily Telegraph.

“It’s easy to be the romantic and think, this guy loves the club and remember him for what he used to be, but this is a smart move from the club.

“I think it will get the best out of Josh Reynolds. It will show just how determined he is.

“I don’t want to look too far ahead, but I can see Josh playing a similar role to Benji Marshall at South Sydney.

“With (Matt) Burton in the halves and Origin beckoning, Josh can come on and fill in roles in the halves, or hooker for Reed Mahoney, I can certainly envisage a Benji Marshall-type role.

“Also, what we see on the field, as far as the 80-minutes of play, is not a true representation of what Josh will bring to the team.

“He will bring so much away from the field that people wouldn’t recognise.’’

Reynolds, of course, endured a difficult period at Hull FC, agreeing a mutual release earlier this year just 18 months into a two-year deal.

Now, though, the halfback is looking for a massive move back to the club where he is named ‘the favourite son’ for the way in which he enamoured himself to the Bulldogs’ fans and all those associated with Canterbury.

It will also be a chance to right some of the wrongs at Hull.