You would struggle to find a Bulldogs member, fan or teammate who would argue with the selection of Josh Jackson in the number 12 jersey for New South Wales.
Jackson, was named on Monday night to start in the backrow for the Blues in the opening game of the 2017 Origin series, alongside Boyd Cordner and Tyson Frizell.
The reigning Brad Fittler Medalist has been one of the Bulldogs most consistent players this year and has been the player’s player in five games of the opening 11 rounds.
Before the announcement of the Blues side plenty of judges were divided over who should be in the backrow for New South Wales, but teammate Josh Reynolds knows that Jackson deserves his spot.
“I really don’t understand when these so called experts and commentators come out and don’t have him in their side. He’s one of those players that just does what he needs to do for the team and it’s what counts to him,” said Reynolds.
If there is anyone that knows how good the 26-year old is, it’s the injured Bulldogs five-eighth Reynolds.
The ever popular number six has spent many years playing alongside the Gulgong Terriers junior and he knows that without Jackson, his career may not have been the same.
“I have played next to him for five years now and I know my career wouldn’t be the same if he wasn’t there protecting me every week. There has never been a time when I have looked at him and he has let me down,” added Reynolds.
Jackson’s game is built on the little things. It is about the one percenters and the minor detail that the fan in the crowd or on the couch at home doesn’t see.
He is a born leader. A player the players want to play with and an inspiration to the entire playing group.
“He does all the little things right. He is a born leader and so many of the boys look up to the person Josh is. You need people like him around the club because their professionalism is infectious,” Reynolds said.
