Sport Confidential: Secret clause in Reed Mahoney's Cowboys contract revealed
It comes as Mahoney prepares to face his future club on Saturday night just days after agreeing to join the Cowboys.
Mahoney's deal has been reported as a three-year contract. However, the contract could be extended by a further season with a clause in Mahoney's favour.
Mahoney will have the option to remain at the Cowboys in 2029 with the first three years of the deal guaranteed by both parties.
He signed the contract to replace Sydney Roosters bound hooker Reece Robson. The Cowboys also spoke to Jayden Brailey and Tallyn Da Silva before agreeing to a deal with Mahoney.
The 27-year-old became the second starting spine member of the Bulldogs to leave the club within days following Toby Sexton's decision to join Catalans.
The former Canterbury skipper was given permission to talk with rival clubs earlier this year despite being contracted until the end of 2026.
His move is expected to see Bailey Hayward become the starting rake for the Bulldogs next year.
While Mahoney has largely played 80 minutes since his arrival, in recent weeks he has shown his frustrations when taken from the field to accommodate Lachlan Galvin's arrival.
Mahoney played 80 minutes during Canterbury's 22-18 loss to Brisbane last Friday.
Mahoney has been named at hooker to play the Cowboys in Townsville on Saturday night.
ORIGIN III A RATINGS BONANZA
Queensland's stunning State of Origin series win over NSW has been a ratings bonanza for the Nine Network, becoming the highest rating game three for more than a decade and reaching more than 5 million viewers.
The Maroons' 24-12 victory at Accor Stadium also shattered the record for the highest streamed show in history, surging past the Mtildas semi-final loss to England at the women's World Cup.
Origin III was the No.1 program of the night in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and - in a promising sign for expansion - Perth. The game was also the No.2 show in Adelaide.
Viewing figures were up considerably in both Perth and Adelaide.
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