North Queensland Cowboys' new hooker Reed Mahoney has broken his silence on the dramatic end to his tenure with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, labelling the decision for him to leave as ultimately "out of my control."
A Sudden End in Belmore
The 25-year-old rake, once considered a cornerstone of the Bulldogs' long-term rebuild, found his future at the club evaporate rapidly towards the end of the 2024 NRL season. Despite having two years remaining on his contract with Canterbury, a shift in coaching philosophy under incoming mentor Stephen Crichton led to a mutual agreement for Mahoney to explore other opportunities.
Mahoney, who played 123 games for the Bulldogs and previously for the Parramatta Eels, described the situation as a business decision. "It was a bit of a shock at the start," Mahoney admitted. He clarified that while the club's decision was tough to accept initially, he holds no bitterness, understanding the unpredictable nature of professional sport.
Embracing the Cowboys' Culture
Now settled in Townsville and fully integrated into pre-season training with the Cowboys, Mahoney's focus is squarely on the future. He has signed a three-year deal with North Queensland, a move he describes as an exciting fresh start. The playmaker has been particularly impressed by the family-oriented culture and strong community ties the Cowboys are renowned for, a stark contrast to the intense pressure cooker of Sydney.
"It's a fresh start for myself and my young family," Mahoney said, highlighting the appeal of the Queensland lifestyle. His arrival is seen as a crucial piece in the Cowboys' puzzle for the 2025 season, where he is expected to bring stability, sharp service from dummy-half, and tenacious defence to the side.
Looking Ahead to the 2025 Season
With the pre-season in full swing, Mahoney is building combinations with key Cowboys players like Tom Dearden and Chad Townsend. His experience and competitive spirit are viewed as invaluable assets for a squad eager to return to finals football. The hooker stated he feels physically and mentally refreshed, ready to prove his worth on the field and help drive the Cowboys towards success.
While his departure from Belmore was not of his own making, Reed Mahoney is channeling all his energy into his new home in North Queensland. Cowboys fans will get their first official look at their new number nine when the team begins its trial matches ahead of the 2025 NRL season kickoff in March.
