Reed Mahoney’s slide down the Bulldogs’ selection order has been laid bare, with the former first-choice hooker named on the interchange bench for Friday’s clash against the Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium.
Cameron Ciraldo has once again entrusted Bailey Hayward with the starting No. 9 role after the 24-year-old impressed in last week’s win over the New Zealand Warriors. Mahoney, a regular starter for the Dogs since his arrival from Parramatta, now finds himself wearing No. 17 as part of a bench rotation.
MORE: Ex-Wallaby returns after spinal surgery, eyes NRL debut
It marks the second consecutive week Hayward has been preferred, coinciding with the hooker’s milestone 100th game for the club. Mahoney’s demotion suggests Ciraldo is keen to stick with the new structure, at least for the short term.
Kikau and Hayward headline milestone night
While Mahoney adapts to a reduced role, the Bulldogs will celebrate key achievements in their Round 24 fixture, part of the Gadhu Gathering festival. Viliame Kikau will notch his 50th game in Bulldogs colours, while Hayward’s century of club appearances comes hot on the heels of his contract extension.
MORE: Mark Nawaqanitawase reveals goal of code-switch greatness
The Dogs will run out in their 1995 Heritage Jersey, a nod to their premiership triumph 30 years ago. Connor Tracey has been included on the extended bench in the No. 21 jersey, while the rest of the line-up remains largely unchanged.
Kick-off against the ninth-placed Roosters is set for 3:30 pm on Friday at Allianz Stadium.