Phil Gould lashes out at 'rubbish' rumours after surprising Reed Mahoney claim
Bulldogs general manager Phil Gould has slapped down the report popular star Reed Mahoney could be pushed out of the club due to salary cap issues. On Thursday, a report emerged from Triple M Radio Mahoney was possibly going to be squeezed out of the club because the Bulldogs are facing salary cap restraints.
The report prompted a fierce response from fans who jumped on social media and directed questions towards their general manager, Gould, asking for clarity over Mahoney's future. Mahoney enjoyed his best season in the NRL last year having scored four tries in the Bulldogs' return to NRL finals.
Queensland coach Billy Slater also included Mahoney in his extended State of Origin squad, which was a nod to his stellar form under the guidance of new coach Cameron Ciraldo. Mahoney's fierce competitiveness, and sometimes divisive antics, on the field can make him a target for rival stars.
But Bulldogs fans have embraced the 26-year-old as he leaves everything out on the field. However, the reports on Thursday certainly surprised the fan base with claims their was salary cap restraints an eye-opener. And it didn't take long for Gould to come out swinging and emphatically hit back at the suggestions around Mahoney.
"It's complete rubbish," Gould told The Wide World of Sports. "I know Reed's manager really well, and I'm confident he hasn't shopped him around. I know that no one from our club has shopped him around. So there is absolutely nothing to it."
Mahoney was the co-captain for the Bulldogs in 2023, but in a stunning move Canterbury Bulldogs coach Ciraldo appointed new recruit Stephen Crichton as the club's leader. This took many fans by surprise in 2024, but taking the extra pressure off Mahoney allowed him to do his talking on the field.
He finished the season as the No.9 with the second-highest try assists and made the most tackles in the NRL. Mahoney will be looking at another big year under Ciraldo with heightened expectations surrounding the club after an exciting 2024.
Until last year, the Bulldogs hadn't played finals footy since 2016. Ciraldo instilled a winning mentality in the group with the Bulldogs becoming one of the best defensive sides.
In a giant leap forward for the club, the Bulldogs finished sixth and were knocked out in the first round of NRL finals by the Manly Sea Eagles. Crichton recently spoke about the Bulldogs' winning mentality and claimed the team are striving to go even better in 2025 with the same core group of players leading the charge.
The Canterbury Bulldogs will take on the Wests Tigers in their first Pre-Season Challenge this weekend with Ciraldo naming an inexperienced side. The coach appears to be giving most of his starters an extra week's rest, before they take on the Broncos next week with a stronger line-up expected.
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Have you watched him? Maroons defend Mam's selection
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'So wrong': Billy Slater under fire for Ezra Mam call as Maroons axe Cherry-Evans
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This is so wrong on so many levels. He should'nt even be playing NRL this year — Alice (@Aliceh_1936) June 8, 2025 They always used to bang on about QLD owning loyalty and they 'pick & stick' I don't understand this! But then I'm from NSW and was always told we don't 'get Origin!' I love this. Hopefully your lack of humility comes back twofold over the next few years! — Luke A (@hayrooster) June 8, 2025 Ezra man playing origin will be popcorn stuff there will be fights definitely. Can't believe no Fogarty or Corey hors. — Zeldon Singh (@SinghZeldon) June 8, 2025 Some things matter more than winning , and I just can't get behind Mam. He shouldn't be playing this season, let alone wearing a QLD jersey. This isn't on Mam; it's a failure of leadership in the game. They got it wrong. Again.#NRL #StateOfOrigin @FOXNRL @BuzzRothfield — JM (@byjohnmartin) June 8, 2025 If Queensland pick Mam they lose all hope and respect. You just can't put him on the highest platform we have. 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