“Be Reed”: Mahoney’s new attitude after dramatic Bulldogs’ exit

Reed Mahoney has vowed to “be Reed” and take on a stronger leadership role within the Cowboys’ squad as the hooker adjusts to life in North Queensland.

Mahoney has joined the Cowboys on a three-year deal after 164 NRL games across the Eels and Bulldogs.

Following the departure of NSW hooker Reece Robson, Mahoney will slot directly into the Cowboys’ starting nine jersey, joining a star-studded spine featuring Scott Drinkwater and Tom Dearden.

The move North wasn’t all smooth for the former Bulldogs’ hooker, with his exit from Canterbury attracting much attention and speculation.

However, Mahoney has arrived at the Cowboys with a new attitude that he hopes will help him bring success to the club.

“I'm just going to come here and be Reed, and that's work hard and… make people better around me, and try and share that love between the boys, and just work for the common goal of getting to the end of the season,” Mahoney said.

“I've definitely put my hand up and helped out a lot but, as I said, (I'm) coming here to be Reed Mahoney, and I think off the back of my season last year and how it went, I'm really excited to get the season going.

“We've got a few more weeks of pre-season to go and still have to keep ticking a few boxes but everything's going all right.”

Towards the end of his Bulldogs’ career, Mahoney fell out of favour, with Cameron Ciraldo opting for Bailey Hayward in the club’s run towards the finals.

Mahoney was benched in Round 23, before being dropped for the Bulldogs’ first final against the Storm. He would be recalled for their second-week loss against Penrith,.

With his minutes falling and future at the Bulldogs murky, Mahoney opted to move North and is using the motivation of his early departure to fuel his 2026 season with the Cowboys.

“I feel like I'm only halfway through my career,” Mahoney said.

“It's given me a bit of a nudge to motivate myself internally and to bring people with me.

“I know what I'm capable of. I know what I bring to a team and I feel like at that time in my career now, I know my strengths and what I'm not so good at… and also just have fun.

“I love footy. I love competing, and, when you're doing those things right, footy goes good.

“(I’m) definitely looking forward to the season.”

The Cowboys enter 2026 under pressure, following a disappointing 12th placed finish last season, and yo-yoing finals appearances, qualifying in 2022 and 2024, and missing out in 2023 and 2025.

Even with the 2026 season over a month away, Cowboys’ coach Todd Payten has also found himself under pressure as he searches for consistency with his squad.

However, Mahoney has been nothing but impressed with Payten in his first pre-season in North Queensland and refused to let the rumours around his coach distract the side.

“I think he's just so open-minded, and he just loves questions… and when you're open-minded like that… everyone's eager to learn,” Mahoney said

“We've got some really experienced and talented players in the team, and their opinions do count, and it's been good to be able to just share some ideas with him.”

The Cowboys kick off their season in Las Vegas on March 1 against the Newcastle Knights.