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Doubts cast over Bulldogs’ reasons for axing star for finals, Sexton gets SOS
The Bulldogs’ decision to drop a star player and recall their axed halfback for their first NRL finals game is under the microscope.
Daniel Ramus
September 11, 2025 – 6:37AM
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Reporter David Riccio has explained why the Bulldogs have decided to dump Reed Mahoney for their qualifying final against the Storm, with Mahoney to be replaced in the 17 by Toby Sexton.
Sexton, who was named in the reserves, will play his first NRL game for the Bulldogs since Round 19.
In the Bulldogs’ loss to the Sharks in Round 27, centre Bronson Xerri left the field for a HIA early in the game and didn’t return.
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That meant hooker Bailey Hayward had to move into the centres, with Mahoney coming on the field at hooker.
Riccio said those he had spoken to at the Bulldogs felt they “lost their way” when those changes were made.
“Last week when the changes needed to be made with the Bulldogs it was Bronson Xerri that suffered the HIA, had to come from the field,” Riccio said on NRL 360.
“That forced Bailey Hayward out to the centres.
Bulldogs hooker Reed Mahoney has been dropped for the final. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)
“The feeling from the Dogs was, certainly they brought Reed Mahoney into that dummy half role.
“They felt as though they lost their middle a little bit and their way in communication.
“They believe Hayward is a much more dominant communicator than what Reed is, and the changes this week is about, if we do have another injury, we don’t want to move Hayward.
“But we have halves cover with Toby Sexton.”
Host Braith Anasta was stunned by the Bulldogs’ decision.
“So after three seasons there, Reed Mahoney, on the eve of the finals, people saying he should be starting, more so than being on the bench,” Anasta said.
“He gets chopped completely out of the team.
“Now, you talk about people. We’re talking the likes of Cameron Smith, the greatest nine of all-time, who was calling for him to start.”
Given he has been with the Bulldogs for three seasons, panellist Dan Ginnane questioned the idea that Mahoney is suddenly a poor communicator on the field.
“Canterbury have mastered the art, the dark art, of manipulation, of getting a narrative out there,” Ginnane said.
Toby Sexton is set to come off the bench. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
“I’m not saying it’s wrong with Reed Mahoney.
“He’s been there (three years). Now all of a sudden, he’s a bad communicator.”
Anasta was glowing in his assessment of Mahoney as a player.
“I think Reed Mahoney’s improved a lot with his discipline this year, astronomically,” Anasta added.
“When I think of Reed Mahoney, I think of a tough defender that puts his body on the line for the club.
“I think of good service off the deck.
“He provides very good service for his men.
“He’s very reliable, he’s fit, and he’s played finals before.
“I just think it’s a bit odd. I’m going for the Bulldogs, I want them to win. But I think it’s odd.”
Co-host Gorden Tallis wasn’t buying the lines coming out of the Bulldogs camp.
“They can tell you a story. You just don’t have to believe it,” Tallis said.
“It wasn’t broken, the Dogs. They were coming first with their nine and seven.”
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Ginnane felt the Bulldogs were sharper when Mahoney was on the field against the Panthers in Round 26.
“It was noticeable, the game against Penrith a couple of weeks ago, against the NSW Cup team, as soon as Mahoney came on, the service got better, and smarter,” Ginnane said.
But Riccio believes there’s a chance Sexton may not even get on the field for the Dogs.
“I firmly believe he’s the fourth bench player, and I say that respectfully,” Riccio said of Sexton.
“We see teams sometimes not using their fourth bench player.
“I think he’s the emergency player.
“Should they suffer an injury in their backline, they can move Burton out there and bring Sexton into the halves.”
Originally published as Doubts cast over Bulldogs’ reasons for axing star for finals, Sexton gets SOS
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