The Canterbury Bulldogs have added another key signing to their squad after signing Parramatta Eels hooker Reed Mahoney on a four-year deal.
The Bulldogs will acquire the 23-year-old in 2023 on a deal estimated to be worth $2.4 million.
Mahoney even turned down a $1.5 million contract over three years from the Eels to join the Bulldogs.
SEN host Joel Caine believes the Bulldogs have again pulled off a masterstroke with Phil Gould at the helm.
“That to me is impeccable shopping,” Caine said on SEN 1170 Drive.
“In the NRL era, I can’t think of too many better dummy halves with a better kicking game than Reed Mahoney.”
In his short time in the NRL, Mahoney has proven to be one of the most elite players in the competition.
His absence in the 2021 Finals series was felt when Parramatta lost to eventual premiers Penrith in the semi-finals.
“It could be the signing of the decade for the Bulldogs,” said Bryan Fletcher.
“Don’t forget, he was also on the cusp of making his Origin debut before that shoulder injury.
“Over the next couple of years, he’ll be in and around the Queensland Origin team.”
The Bulldogs have recruited magnificently in the past six months. Josh-Addo Carr, Matt Burton, Tevita Pangai Junior and Matt Dufty will all run out for the Bulldogs in 2022.
Fletcher believes Mahoney will fit perfectly at Belmore.
“(Mahoney) will learn a lot under Trent Barrett,” he said.
“He’s certainly got the potential to be one of those top echelon players.
“He hasn’t got too many weaknesses to his game.”
It is another massive blow to Parramatta who were desperate to keep their gun hooker. The Eels initially offered Mahoney a $900,000 deal across two years before launching a list ditch effort to retain him.