Canterbury Bulldogs general manager Phil Gould has addressed the situation involving players Toby Sexton and Reed Mahoney, confirming that Mahoney’s agent made an “innocent request” to explore opportunities with rival clubs. This comes amid reports that both players may not be in the club’s immediate plans, following the announcement of Lachlan Galvin’s intent to join the Bulldogs.
As the club looks to strengthen its squad, hooker Bailey Hayward has emerged as a potential option, with Mitchell Woods being earmarked as a long-term halfback solution. Despite speculation about Sexton’s future, which is uncertain with his contract expiring at the season’s end, Gould has denied ongoing negotiations between the player and the Bulldogs.
Gould clarified that Mahoney is under a contract that runs until the end of 2026, valued at $625,000 per year. The request to speak with other clubs was made by Mahoney’s manager, Sam Ayoub, who sought permission from Gould. This request was positioned as early discussions about Mahoney’s future, as expanding his contract beyond 2026 is not yet on the table due to potential salary cap constraints. Gould stressed that the request came from the agent, not the club.
Regarding Sexton, Gould took issue with his management, particularly targeting manager Tas Bartlett. He asserted that recent articles regarding Sexton are likely penned by the same journalist with ties to the manager— a narrative Gould thus dismissed as agitating for a contract extension. He emphasised having multiple discussions with Sexton about his contract status and reassured that they were keeping the player informed, indicating that there are no immediate discussions about a new deal as the club focuses on different priorities.
In a commentary on the broader situation, league legend Brad Fittler remarked on the ruthlessness of the sport, noting that if a player is allowed to negotiate with other clubs, it suggests they are not part of the team’s future plans. While the landscape seems challenging for Sexton and Mahoney, the Bulldogs continue to assess their roster options amidst the complexities of contract management and player aspirations.
Overall, Gould remains firm in his position, insisting that the club is not in active contract discussions for either player at this time, and that their focus is directed elsewhere as they navigate future team strategies.