Canterbury debutant Josh Reynolds never made it out of B Grade for his high school rugby league team, yet he'll make his NRL debut against Canberra on Friday night.

In a generation where all rookies tend to be childhood stars, the 22-year-old's unlikely selection proves it's possible to take the long road to the top.

Reynolds replaces NSW representative Michael Ennis at hooker against the Raiders, an incredible turnaround from never once making the top side while a student at Kogarah Marist.

His story isn't one of bitterness towards his former school, Reynolds the first to admit he was a long way down the list in terms of skill level.

Instead of being discouraged by not making the cut at school, the tough No.9 learnt the merits of hard work.

The disappointment may have gone some way to breeding the tenacity that has so impressed Bulldogs coach Kevin Moore.

Reynolds earned a place in the club's inaugural Toyota Cup team in 2008 and last year proved he was ready for first grade by being named the Bulldogs NSW Cup player of the year, and winning the man of the match honour in their grand final victory with a brilliant all-round display.

Up until the beginning of this season when he was promoted to the full-time squad, Reynolds had always had to balance training with work.

Reynolds said he was shocked when Moore told him he'd be in the run-on side for his first grade debut, and reflected on the hard yards he'd put in.

"It's not easy going from work to training every day and that's where I think some of the boys (young league players) get lost," said Reynolds, who completed a plumbing apprenticeship and worked as a teacher's aid as he fought for his dream.

"But you've just got to keep working hard obviously, I don't have the most talent in the world but I've worked hard on my game and it's finally paid off."

Reynolds has been described as 'Ennis-like' by Moore, but said he's concentrating on not getting lost in the momenton Friday.

"You've got to get your head around it because there's going to be a couple of hundred extra thousand people watching your game," he said.

"I want to try and lift for my debut and I want to try and get a good start. Show Kev I'm up to it."

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