Bulldogs hooker Reed Mahoney will leave Canterbury at the end of the 2025 season after agreeing to terms with the North Queensland Cowboys on a lucrative multi-year deal.
The Bulldogs have agreed to release Mahoney from the final year of his contract to allow his Cowboys career to kick off in 2026, reports Fox Sports, after granting him permission to negotiate with rivals several months ago.
Mahoney, who joined the Bulldogs from Parramatta in 2023, was initially seen as a key part of Canterbury’s rebuild.
However, questions around his performances — along with well publicised on-field ill-discipline at times — saw rumours swirl that the Bulldogs were keen to move him on in favour of giving promising youngster Bailey Hayward a starting opportunity.
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It is the second high-profile casualty at the Bulldogs this week, with Mahoney joining halfback Toby Sexton as key spine players departing the club.
It is somewhat unusual to see this type of key player movement at this stage of the season for a team currently sitting second on the ladder and legitimate contenders to win their first premiership in over 20 years.
Some will point to the mid-season arrival of Lachlan Galvin as a catalyst, and it will be fascinating to see how the Bulldogs respond to losing two of their star playmakers in the space of a week.
Another factor is no doubt the salary cap, with the Bulldogs under Phil Gould’s direction making several high-profile signings over recent seasons.
The Cowboys, meanwhile, had been searching for an experienced, high-quality No.9 to steer their team after it was confirmed State of Origin hooker Reece Robson would join the Sydney Roosters from 2026.
Other hookers — including the Broncos’ Corey Paix and the Tigers’ Tallyn Da Silva — had previously been linked to the Cowboys.
After missing out on the highly regarded young Tigers prospect, they ultimately opted for the proven experience of Mahoney, who has reportedly agreed to a three-year deal.
Time will tell whether these high-profile personnel changes will affect the Bulldogs’ 2025 premiership aspirations.