Bulldogs Star Reed Mahoney Breaks Silence on Shock Exit Rumors Ahead of Season Opener Against Dragons

As the Canterbury Bulldogs gear up for their opening match of the 2025 NRL season against the St. George Illawarra Dragons, star hooker Reed Mahoney has finally spoken out about the swirling rumors that suggested he was being shopped around to rival clubs.

Mahoney, who previously captained the Bulldogs, had an outstanding 2024 season, helping the team reach the NRL Finals. His performances were so impressive that he was named in the extended squad for the Queensland Maroons as a backup for Harry Grant. However, despite his strong form and his contract extending for another two seasons—worth approximately $625,000 per year—reports emerged last month that the Bulldogs were considering moving him on.

The speculation gained traction after Triple M Whisper suggested that Mahoney was offered to other NRL clubs during the off-season. While Bulldogs General Manager of Football, Phil Gould, quickly dismissed the rumors as “complete rubbish” in February, Mahoney had remained silent on the matter—until now.

Addressing the reports, Mahoney downplayed the controversy and expressed confidence in his place at the club. “All of those rumors get shoved around footy all the time, so to have the big man [Phil Gould] say that feels nice,” Mahoney stated. “I’m not too worried about it. I wasn’t worried when it came out. I know my place here, and I’m super excited to go out there on Saturday and play my best footy.”

Mahoney, who began his career with the Bulldogs in the SG Ball Cup before making 101 appearances for the Parramatta Eels between 2018 and 2022, returned to Belmore in 2023. Since then, he has played a crucial role in the team’s success alongside key players like Stephen Crichton, Matt Burton, and Viliame Kikau.

Now, as he prepares to play his 50th game for the Bulldogs, Mahoney will face off against a familiar opponent in Clinton Gutherson, who made a high-profile switch from the Eels to the Dragons and was named their captain.

“It’s an exciting time of the year, and we’re really super excited for Saturday,” Mahoney said. “I think you’ve seen in the trials what Guth brings—going from Parra to the Dragons and becoming captain. That’s just how he is as a person and how hard he works on the footy field. He’s that leader now, and I know he’ll go out there and put his best foot forward, so we expect him to be at his best. Looking forward to it.”

With Mahoney focused on delivering a strong performance and silencing any lingering doubts about his future, the Bulldogs will aim to kick off their season with a statement win against the Dragons.