State of Origin hooker Reed Mahoney may be on shaky ground at the Canterbury Bulldogs, with rising star Lachie Galvin set to make an immediate move from the Wests Tigers.
The 19-year-old five-eighth, who turned down a contract extension with the Tigers earlier this year, has now secured a three-and-a-half-year deal with the Bulldogs. Galvin rejected a rival offer from the Parramatta Eels and notified Canterbury on Sunday of his decision.
According to reports, the Bulldogs will pay the Tigers a $165,000 transfer fee, with the move expected to be finalised within days.
“What I understand is Lachlan Galvin has expressed his desire to play with the Bulldogs,” Bulldogs GM Phil Gould said on Channel 9. “We’re still working out some final details with the Tigers. Hopefully in the next 48 hours we’ll have clarity.”
Where does Galvin fit?
The addition of Galvin raises questions about Canterbury’s spine. Matt Burton and Toby Sexton have led the team to the top of the NRL ladder, but Burton could be shifted to fullback or centre to accommodate Galvin.
That shuffle could leave Reed Mahoney on the outer. Club officials are reportedly frustrated with his frequent ill-discipline and near-constant risk of being sin-binned. Even before Galvin’s arrival, there were whispers the Bulldogs were keen to give Bailey Hayward more minutes at hooker. Sexton might also shift to dummy half or a utility role, potentially pushing Mahoney out of the squad.
The 27-year-old Mahoney, who was part of Queensland’s State of Origin squad last year, is under contract until the end of 2026. However, the Bulldogs may look to move him on early.
“I hear Reed Mahoney is a chance of being moved on,” Bulldogs legend Braith Anasta said on Fox League. “That’s not from a solid source, but I’ve been hearing it for a year.”
Backflip on Galvin
Interestingly, Phil Gould had previously dismissed interest in Galvin, but on Sunday admitted the situation changed rapidly.
“We got a call on Tuesday saying he might be available now. That changed everything,” Gould said. “We were previously looking at him as a player for 18 months down the track. But the opportunity came earlier.”
With Galvin’s arrival now imminent, all eyes are on how Canterbury’s lineup will shift — and who may be forced out.
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