State of Origin Player Profiles: Josh Reynolds & Trent Hodkinson

Nick Fray, Origin Online and Over the Line Sports

Josh Reynolds, New South Wales

Five-eighth, Canterbury Bulldogs

Origin Appearances: 3

Origin Tries: 0

Origin Status: Finding his way

It’s been a rapid rise to prominence for Josh Reynolds, taking full advantage of the decision to drop Roosters pair Maloney and Pearce to quickly become one of the Blues’ most important players. A tough combative five-eighth whose early performances in the hooker position have given him the competitive mentality to stay in the contest at all times, Reynolds can establish himself as a long-term player at Origin level if he can lead the Blues to a win tonight.

A driving force behind the Bulldogs’ early season surge, Reynolds has struck a deadly combination with halfback Trent Hodkinson at club level and will be eager to replicate that success at Origin level. Although he didn’t get too many opportunities to show it in Game One, Reynolds is capable of being a playmaking menace with an ability to find the tryline on a regular basis himself. If Queensland don’t show him the respect he commands, Reynolds may well play a starring role tonight with the Blues poised to finally break the Maroons’ stranglehold on the shield.

Trent Hodkinson, New South Wales

Halfback, Canterbury Bulldogs

Origin Appearances: 1

Origin Tries: 0

Origin Status: A rags to riches story

Like Bulldogs teammate Reynolds, Hodkinson has enjoyed a rapid ascent in the game that has taken him from floundering in the reserves just a year ago to New South Wales halfback. Struggling to come back from a serious injury, Hodkinson was forced to watch from the stands as Kris Keating piloted the Bulldogs to the 2012 Grand Final, and only won back his first grade spot midway through last season.

A prized recruit from coach Des Hasler’s former club Manly, Hodkinson took a while to make his mark at the Bulldogs but has combined with Reynolds superbly to make them a genuine premiership force once again. Something of a surprise selection for Game One, Hodkinson’s goalkicking eventually proved the difference on the scoreboard in a tight encounter. Look for the Blues to utilise his highly-regarded kicking game a little more tonight, particularly kicking to the corners to finish attacking sets.