Reynolds wants Benji's spot but they're still friends

With the prized Wests Tigers No.6 jersey up for grabs, you would think Josh Reynolds and Benji Marshall would be at each other's throats. Far from it.

Marshall played 21 games as Luke Brooks' halves partner during the 2018 Telstra Premiership season but he's got some serious competition this time around.

"Everyone probably thinks we go to training and don't talk because it's me against him," Reynolds said on Tuesday after training.

"But it's the total opposite. He's done a lot in the game and I find him a really good half. I'm learning a lot off him all the time.

"Even though we're both going for the same position, it's hard for me to go in there and be off him, or not want to talk to him.

"So from that fact it's good. We'd crossed paths before [prior to linking at Tigers] but I didn't really know much about him. His footy speaks for itself.

"When I was younger I was one of those watching him. Everyone wants to do the big step ... he was the guy you always tried to base your game around as a half."

While highly respectful of Marshall, Reynolds isn't about to roll over and hand the No.6 jumper to him on a platter.

"At the Dogs I was sort of cemented at five-eighth, so it's a good challenge," Reynolds said.

Don't look to head coach Michael Maguire for a steer. The Tigers play the Bulldogs late in February and then the Warriors on March 2.

"Even 'Madge' says to us he's never been in this position before having two pretty good five-eighths going for the one position. He's told us he's trying to work us both in," Reynolds said.

The 29-year-old is an unabashed fan of Marshall, particularly his running game that figured prominently in his early NRL days.

"I think I actually play the same sort of role that he used to – run the ball a lot and back myself in a lot of scenarios," Reynolds said.

"For me I think Benji has changed his game a little. He's turned into more of a halfback where he dictates the speed of a game, the way he digs into the line so good and squares players up.

"That's the best thing about him at the moment."

The other benefit of Marshall and Reynolds being so similar in their styles is that the Tigers always have a quality No.6 at the ready.

"The one good thing is that if one of us is struggling week to week, the other can come in and hopefully there's not too much of a difference. That's a big thing I think because when teams have to throw in someone who doesn't regularly play that position, it can be hard."

And if Reynolds isn't the first choice five-eighth, he's hoping he is showing Maguire he should remain in the 17.

"Whether I go back into the washing machine at hooker to give Robbie [Farah] a break every now and then ... he looks pretty good 'Faf' [Farah] so I don't know if he'll even need a rest.

"Obviously I definitely want to be part of the team and have some kind of input. It's just how my last two years have gone. Unfortunately, injuries have played a massive part and I've not been able to do what I like or play the position I definitely want to play.

"You've just got to deal with it. Madge will make the decision if I'm up to No.6 or No.14 and I'll give whichever 100 per cent."

So what about Brooks? He might not be so thrilled that he doesn't know who his 2019 season halves partner is.

"You'd think he'd be upset. But he's the most chilled person you'd ever meet," Reynolds said.

"If it was me I'd be like 'Hurry up – give me something, give me some clarity'. I look at him and think 'How come you don't care about that?' But he's just so calm – and that's why I love him."