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<\/p>\nHooker Reed Mahoney has revealed his exit from the Belmore-based club was the \u201ctoughest part\u201d of his career, having fallen out of favour under Cameron Ciraldo.<\/p>\n
Mahoney was given permission to hit the open market during the 2025 season, with the Cowboys handing him a three-year contract beginning in 2026.<\/p>\n
The 27-year-old had a year remaining on his Bulldogs contract, and he revealed he was still the dark as to why he was shown the door.<\/p>\n
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Watch the 2026 NRL Pre-season series plus the All-Star matches LIVE and ad-break free during play on FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cIf you find out, tell me,\u201d he said to the SMH.<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not sure. Everyone has their own opinion. I won\u2019t say too much. <\/p>\n \u201cWe were going really well \u2026 it was what was best for the team at the time, which is fine. I do know it was the toughest part of my career at that stage.\u201d<\/p>\n At the time Mahoney was given permission to depart, the Bulldogs were in the top four, with his No.9 jersey being taken by Bailey Hayward.<\/p>\n Reed Mahoney at North Queensland training. Picture: InstagramSource: Instagram<\/p>\n He will slot straight into Reece Robson\u2019s jersey in North Queensland after the Origin rake made his switch to the Roosters.<\/p>\n Mahoney\u2019s discipline has also been a consistent issue throughout his playing career, being renowned as one of the NRL\u2019s best nigglers.<\/p>\n However, the talented hooker believed he was on his best behaviour in 2025.<\/p>\n \u201cI thought last year my discipline was the best it\u2019s been my whole career,\u201d Mahoney said. <\/p>\n \u201cIt was out of my control in a way. I learned a lot about myself. If anything, I\u2019ve taken it as motivation.<\/p>\n \u201cI know how hard I work. I know what I need to do to be an 80\u2013minute player, and I play my best when I\u2019m playing 80 minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!!<\/a><\/p>\n Gardiner talks Samoa’s chances at RLWC | 05:50<\/p>\n BENNETT\u2019S SWIPE AT RLPA<\/p>\n Wayne Bennett has come out swinging, slamming the RLPA after they claimed the NRL made a rushed decision to implement a host of new rules ahead of the 2026 season.<\/p>\n NRL powerbrokers have been hit with a wave of criticism after it was revealed four changes will be made to the way the game is played and officiated.<\/p>\n Arguably the biggest change of all will allow teams to pick a bench of six players, an increase from the four previously confirmed an hour before kick-off.<\/p>\n While coaches have six players on the bench at their disposal, only four are allowed to be used \u2014 with eight interchanges permitted across the 80 minutes.<\/p>\n Elsewhere, there will be no seven-tackle set following a knock-on in-goal by the attacking team and the third rule change is that trainers will be restricted from entering the field of play to prescribed and clearly defined circumstances.<\/p>\n The final change implemented by the NRL is for certain infringements beyond the 20-metre line, the tackle count will restart, replacing the current 40-metre threshold.<\/p>\n According to RLPA boss Clint Newton, the NRL needed to make these decision \u201cearlier\u201d after \u201cmore meaningful consultation\u201d.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Dolphins enforcer criticised the fact the changes were confirmed \u201conly days out from trials, with Round 1 just around the corner\u201d.<\/p>\n But master coach Bennett fired back in a big way.<\/p>\n “Glad it’s over” – Tino breaks silence | 02:16<\/p>\n READ MORE<\/p>\n Second Eels player pulled into Lomax\u2019s Storm saga… as ugly backflip attempt exposed<\/a><\/p>\n How \u2018fascinating\u2019 rule shift could change face of game… and spark \u2018death\u2019 of position<\/a><\/p>\n