"As soon as he was late to training, he got us all together in the locker room and told us he was disappointed in himself and would work his hardest in reserve grade to get back and get that call-up. "He had a good game and he's back and he won't make that mistake again. "I'll be playing outside him this weekend, I'll just let him run over four people and then I'll make my run.'' Fonua was the standout for the Tigers a fortnight ago when he terrorised North Queensland with his barnstorming runs at left centre. Bizarrely, Fonua failed to poll a single vote in the Dally Ms. When Fonua was late to Concord Oval, coach Ivan Cleary and the five captains did not hesitate sending him back to reserve grade as punishment.

Tui Lolohea, who played in the World Cup with Fonua, as well as his Bulldogs centre opposite Will Hopoate, said: "It wasn't easy coming down after a good performance the week before. "But he took it like a professional and had a big game for us. He's a strong bugger. "It will be interesting between [Fonua and Hopoate] and can't wait to have a laugh with both of them afterwards.'' While Fonua, complete with his gold teeth, tattoos and pot belly, will be impossible to miss, it is also a huge and emotional afternoon for Reynolds. The heart and soul of Canterbury before he was squeezed out of the club and picked up by the Tigers, Reynolds could not have timed his return from a shoulder injury any better.

He had privately been telling teammates for a few weeks how pumped he is for the Canterbury clash. The ANZ Stadium ding-dong westie battle will also feature former Tigers skipper Aaron Woods up against his former club, while Thompson spent two seasons at the Dogs, including their 2014 Grand Final. "Grubby is so pumped for it, we almost have to tie him to a seat at training so he relaxes a bit,'' Thompson said. "It will be a great atmosphere and hopefully he goes off. "You need players like Mahe and Grubby for when your backs are against the wall and you need that spark and energy to give everyone a lift.'' Thompson decided to leave Canterbury when then coach Des Hasler could not guarantee him a regular starting spot, so packed his bags for England where he spent two seasons before the Tigers showed interest.