Monday Buzz: Why Reed Mahoney is a liability to the Bulldogs with reckless antics

There’s no question Reed Mahoney has talent, but it’s the reckless antics in his game that’s going to cost the Bulldogs, and potentially cost him a spot in the team. He needs to pull his head in before it’s too late, writes BUZZ ROTHFIELD.

There was a strong rumour doing the rounds of the NRL during the off-season that hooker Reed Mahoney was off at the Bulldogs and facing an uncertain future.

That he was too undisciplined, gave away too many penalties and had become a cheap shot merchant with too much rubbish in his game.

It was there for all to see on Saturday night at Shark Park when Mahoney attacked the head of both Toby Rudolf and Daniel Atkinson – but somehow managed to avoid the sin bin.

The Atkinson incident was a particularly ugly attack on a player lying on the ground.

As Mal Meninga said on Fox Sports: “You just don’t do that.”

It was certainly unsportsmanlike conduct and what you could almost describe as a dog shot.

Reed Mahoney piles on Daniel Atkinson.

Reed Mahoney high shot.

That he escaped with a grade 1 charge and no suspension from the match review committee shows that, despite having new people on the panel, nothing has changed with their ridiculously out-of-touch findings.

Then we get Mahoney’s comments after the game: “It’s a tough sport. It’s Bulldogs footy. We’re tough. It’s what we do.”

This is a load of crap. The Bulldogs are in fact a side with so much skill and genuine toughness. They turn up every week.

There is nothing ‘tough’ about this guy’s actions on a football field in an era where he can now get away with it because he hides behind the no-punch rule. In the old days he wouldn’t have survived.

On Sunday morning I spoke to Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo about the situation.

Buzz thinks Reed Mahoney is a “liability”. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

“Reed has been tremendous for us in terms of helping us create an identity built around hard work, connection and never taking a backward step,” he said.

“He probably had one play in 80 minutes that he’d like back (Atkinson tackle) where he had the right intent, but got it slightly wrong and was penalised.

“That’s his evolution. He’s worked extremely hard on his discipline the last 12 months, and needs to continue that evolution for us to become the team we want to become.”

No surprise there that the coach defends his player. It’s what they do.

My view is that this guy is now a liability who will cost the Bulldogs a big game before the season is out against a team like the Broncos, Manly or Melbourne Storm.

Like last year in the semi-final against Manly in the incident with Sea Eagles star Reuben Garrick.

Reed Mahoney v Reuben Garrick. Picture: NRL Photos

The penalty he gave away that day was a momentum and game changer as the Dogs butchered a 22-10 advantage. Ciraldo will publicly defend his players every day of the week. It’s what coach’s do.

However deep down you get the feeling he is concerned about it.

That long-term utility player Bailey Hayward, who had a blinder against the Sharks, might be a better option at hooker for the club long term.

Bailey Hayward could be a better option for the Bulldogs at hooker. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

They are not Ciraldo’s thoughts, but mine.

Whatever happens, Hayward has to be in the side somewhere when Matt Burton returns at five-eighth.

Earlier this year the Dogs’ general manager of football Phil Gould denied the speculation Mahoney was off at the club.

“It’s complete rubbish,” the great man said, “There is absolutely nothing to it.”

(This is the same guy who told Nine Entertainment he was pulling out of negotiations to sign Knights forward Leo Thompson in February but signed him three weeks later.

As I’ve learnt over decades, you can never be sure with Gus.

As for Mahoney, it’s such a waste of genuine talent. There’s no question he can play.

Is Reed Mahoney the right man to bring the Bulldogs towards a premiership? Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

And away from footy he comes across as the most decent person.

Like in the incident on Saturday night when he was first on the scene to look after the Sharks’ Siosifa Talakai when he was heavily concussed.

Your columnist bumped into Mahoney at a Gold Coast restaurant over the Xmas break.

A nicer and more polite young man you would not meet.

It’s just that something happens that triggers madness when he runs onto a football field.

He needs to pull his head in before it’s too late.

Originally published as Monday Buzz: Why Reed Mahoney is a liability to the Bulldogs with reckless antics