Reynolds earns Dogs NRL deal while Martin, Paix re-sign

Josh Reynolds has sealed an unlikely return to Canterbury on a one-season deal, while Liam Martin and Cory Paix have re-signed with their respective NRL clubs.

Josh Reynolds has sealed a fairytale homecoming to Canterbury after the club confirmed the veteran had agreed to a one-year NRL contract.

Reynolds, who was affectionately known as "The Prince of Belmore" during his 138-game spell with the club, will get a chance to add to his tally of games after being upgraded from a $1000-per week training deal.

The 33-year-old's career hung in the balance after difficult spells with Wests Tigers and Hull FC last season, but he has earned his way into Cameron Ciraldo's top 30 squad.

"We felt the leadership he brings to the team and his competitiveness, that's what we wanted to rub off on the squad," Bulldogs coach Ciraldo said.

"It was up to him to show us that his body could hold up to it all and he's done really well in that regard."

Reynolds, who made his debut for Canterbury in 2011, left Belmore at the end of 2017 and will likely act as a cover to the first-choice halves pairing of Matt Burton and Kyle Flanagan.

Elsewhere, Penrith back-rower Liam Martin has agreed to a new contract extension which will keep him with the reigning NRL premiers until the end of 2024.

The 25-year-old has been vital in the Panthers' recent success and has gone on to earn representative honours for NSW and Australia.

Martin was already contracted for the upcoming campaign and the one-year extension prevents rival clubs from attempting to entice him away from the club.

Penrith said they would look to offer him a longer deal once salary cap figures for the upcoming seasons and the game's collective bargaining agreement had been resolved.

"Liam embodies the qualities we value at our club seen through his determination, courage and a relentless drive to succeed," Penrith's football boss Matt Cameron said.

"We look forward to continuing discussions with Liam's management about future seasons now that the salary cap position has been ratified by the NRL as part of the ongoing CBA negotiations."

Brisbane have re-signed utility Cory Paix until the end of the 2025 season.

The 23-year-old is set to fight it out with Billy Walters in the early stages of 2023 for the No.9 jersey.

Walters, who is contracted until the end of 2024, was the starting hooker for the majority of last season.

Paix played 12 games for the Broncos last year, all off the bench, and the side won nine of them.

The Toowoomba-born utility has featured in 29 NRL games for Brisbane after representing Queensland under 20s in 2019.