Latest news with #BaileyHayward
Yahoo
13-08-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bulldogs' Hayward switch could be best in 15 years
No NRL premier has made such a big and late tactical change at hooker in 15 seasons but Canterbury players insist Bailey Hayward's promotion to No.9 can help the Bulldogs become even better. With five rounds before finals, Hayward started as an NRL rake for the first time in Canterbury's defeat of the Warriors and retains his spot for Friday's clash with the Sydney Roosters. It's left North Queensland-bound Reed Mahoney, starting dummy-half in a grand final three years ago, consigned to a bench spot as the third-placed Dogs eye a first premiership since 2004. "Respectfully, there probably wasn't a spot for (Hayward) in the 17 at the start of the year and he's just forced his way into the team every week," said Bulldogs prop Max King. "Now he's forced himself inside that 13, in the No.9. It's a credit to himself and how he's going." The footwork from Hayward 🕺 #NRLBulldogsRoosters Telstra Moment of the Match. — NRL (@NRL) May 16, 2025 Hayward's breakout season notwithstanding, it is rare for premiership-winning teams to make such a dramatic shift in the crucial position so late in a campaign. The most recent example of a team tinkering with its starting hooker this late in a premiership run was in 2022, when Penrith's Mitch Kenny began to start ahead of Api Koroisau. But that change was nowhere near as seismic as the Hayward move, with Koroisau always swapped to the bench on game day and still playing the majority of each game at hooker. South Sydney memorably thrust Koroisau into starting hooker when Issac Luke was suspended for the 2014 grand final, while rookie Sam Verrills replaced the injured Jake Friend with seven regular-season games to play in 2019. But it's not since 2010 that a side has made as big a tactical move at hooker this late in the season and gone on to win the premiership. That year, St George Illawarra coach Wayne Bennett began deploying Dean Young at the expense of dual premiership-winner Luke Priddis, who only started again when stars were rested before finals. Coincidentally, Bennett began the tactical change with five games before finals - the exact same time of the season as Canterbury have begun starting the newly re-signed Hayward. But Hayward's teammates are confident the late change can take the Bulldogs to new heights. "Bailey's biggest attribute is his communication and the way he works with teammates," King said. "He makes us all better. Everyone speaks about the greatest compliment you can get is (being) a player that players want to play with. He fits into that mould. "He makes us a better team." Canterbury retooled their attack ahead of their season's best performance, a 42-4 walloping of Manly three weeks ago, and Hayward has been tipped to continue their ascent in that area. "(Hayward at hooker) is obviously going to add that value to us in attack. We're obviously building on that each week but he'll bring a dimension to that as well," said five-eighth Matt Burton. "He's been great for us all year." Mahoney played 16-and-a-half minutes from the bench on Saturday, only coming on once the result was sealed. "(The change) is not really a discredit to him, it's just more of a credit to Bailey and how he's been performing. It's a tough position for Reed but I feel like he's handled it really well," King said.
Yahoo
12-08-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Reed Mahoney question emerges at Bulldogs after major development around teammate
Bailey Hayward's new contract extension and promotion to the Bulldogs' starting side has sparked fresh questions over Reed Mahoney role in Canterbury's 17-man squad for the rest of the season. Hayward is poised to become the long-term hooker at the Bulldogs after signing a contract extension on Monday that keeps him at the club until the end of 2028 and Mahoney's game time has gradually diminished this year after the mid-season arrival of Lachie Galvin. Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo provided a glimpse into his side's plans for the rest of the NRL season after making a late switch last week by benching Mahoney and opting to start with Hayward in the round 23 victory over the Warriors. Mahoney was named in the No.9 jersey but found himself having to settle for a spot on the bench, with Ciraldo only throwing him on for the final 16 minutes. In contrast, Hayward featured at hooker for most of the game and impressed in his 69-minute stint that saw the tireless Dogs forward get through a mountain of work. Canterbury utility and Maroons Origin star Kurt Mann was also afforded 35 minutes off the bench, with Ciraldo only bringing Mahoney on for the final stages of the 32-14 win. Ciraldo confirmed that Hayward would remain as the starting No.9 for Friday night's clash against the Roosters, posing fresh questions around Mahoney's role going forward. The 27-year-old Mahoney has already agreed to join the Cowboys from next season, having seen his game-time effected after the arrival of mid-season recruit, Lachie Galvin. Questions over Reed Mahoney's role at Bulldogs after benching But after the move from Ciraldo to promote Hayward into the first-choice hooking role, veteran NRL commentator Andrew Voss questioned whether there remains a place for Mahoney in the Bulldogs' 17 heading towards the finals. "If you've moved Reed Mahoney from the starting hooker then I don't think he adds value to your bench," Voss said on SEN radio on Tuesday. RELATED: Roosters stars raise fresh concerns over $828 million stadium problem Beautiful family detail as Maroons Origin player signs with Dragons Titans make big call on Des Hasler in bid to keep Gold Coast captain With the supremely fit Hayward able to get through big minutes and Maroons star Mann offering another option in the hooker rotation, it's something Ciraldo will have to consider as he searches for his ideal 17. Having two smaller bodies in Mahoney and Mann on the bench means the Bulldogs can only carry two other players on the interchange and if Ciraldo does feel the need to add another powerful forward, then Mahoney's spot looks the one in most jeopardy. Hayward has become a mainstay of the Bulldogs' first grade side since his debut last year, and has shown his versatility in a number of different roles. But it's at hooker where the club sees his long-term future and Bulldogs supremo Phil Gould says they're delighted to lock him down at the club, long-term. "We're extremely happy to have Bailey extend his time at the club," Gould said. "He has shown an innate ability to play in multiple positions, and we have a clear vision for him to become a leader in our side." The Bulldogs look set to be boosted by the surprise early return of Connor Tracey for the Roosters clash, after Gould's previous concerns that he might not return before the finals. Tracey was taken to hospital with an abdominal haematoma after the Round 21 win over Manly. It was originally suggested he'd need three weeks of complete rest before resuming training, but Ciraldo said he Tracey was keen to play last week and he's in line to return against the Roosters. He won't be when Touponau returns. Mann can cover 9 if one of the backs goes down. Bailey moves to the halves, Burton centre, etc. — Brad Taylor (@taylorbrad1966) August 11, 2025 My money is on him moving to 18th man this week — George Brooks (@CoachSaleh1) August 11, 2025 Welcome to NSW Cup Reed Mahoney — NSWCupRL26 | NRL 🤝NSWRL 🤝Big Ant Studios (@PutNSWCUPinRL26) August 11, 2025 with agencies
The Australian
11-08-2025
- Sport
- The Australian
NRL 2025: Bailey Hayward re-signs with Bulldogs
Local junior Bailey Hayward has inked a new deal to remain with the Bulldogs until the end of the 2028 season, with the utility emerging as the club's long-term hooker after he replaced Reed Mahoney in the starting side on the weekend. Hayward signed an extension earlier this year for the 2026 season but has extended his stay for another two years after impressing in several roles. While he's played games at five-eighth, lock and off the bench, Hayward will likely be the club's dummy-half in 2026 after he got through a mountain of work starting there in Saturday's win over the Warriors. Mahoney is off to the Cowboys next year and coach Cameron Ciraldo could keep Hayward in the role leading into the finals. Bailey Hayward appears to be Canterbury's long-term hooker after he signed a new deal. Picture:'We're extremely happy to have Bailey extend his time at the club,' general manager of football Phil Gould said. 'He has shown an innate ability to play in multiple positions, and we have a clear vision for him to become a leader in our side. 'He is a local junior, he bleeds Blue and White and we are very lucky to have him at our club.' Meanwhile, veteran forward Tyson Frizell could bring up 300 NRL games next year after signing a one-year extension to remain in Newcastle. The 33-year-old workhorse made his debut back in 2011 and will play on with the Knights alongside fellow veteran Dane Gagai after initial fears the club wouldn't keep them. Tyson Frizell has agreed to a new one-year deal with the Knights. Picture:'We are delighted Tyson is staying on for another year,' Knights head of recruitment Peter O'Sullivan said. 'His experience, energy, and work ethic will be vital for the emerging edge players and several new middles we have joining the club. 'Tyson is in terrific condition; despite playing and training with such velocity for over 15 years, his longevity is a testament to his true professionalism. 'With the ability to play middle and edge forward, he gives the squad a strong balance and his extension is a perfect way to celebrate his 100 games at the Newcastle Knights.'
The Advertiser
11-08-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Bulldogs tie down key forward to new deal
Bailey Hayward is poised to become Canterbury's long-term hooker after signing a contract extension that keeps him at the Bulldogs through 2028. News of Hayward's deal comes two days after he replaced North Queensland-bound Reed Mahoney at starting hooker in the Bulldogs' defeat of the Warriors. Coach Cameron Ciraldo confirmed Hayward would remain as starting No.9 for this week's clash with the Sydney Roosters and the utility looks set to step into Mahoney's shoes full-time in 2026. Hayward had already been signed for next season but the extension is another showing of faith in a player rated highly by Bulldogs hierarchy for his versatility and leadership qualities. "We're extremely happy to have Bailey extend his time at the club," said general manager of football Phil Gould. "He has shown an innate ability to play in multiple positions, and we have a clear vision for him to become a leader in our side." Hayward has become a mainstay of the Bulldogs' first grade side since his debut last year, deployed as a half, lightweight middle forward and hooker across 40 games so far. He previously captained the club's Jersey Flegg team in 2022. The Bulldogs could return to the top two with a defeat of the Roosters at Allianz Stadium on Friday night and could regain fullback Connor Tracey from an abdomen injury for the game. Bailey Hayward is poised to become Canterbury's long-term hooker after signing a contract extension that keeps him at the Bulldogs through 2028. News of Hayward's deal comes two days after he replaced North Queensland-bound Reed Mahoney at starting hooker in the Bulldogs' defeat of the Warriors. Coach Cameron Ciraldo confirmed Hayward would remain as starting No.9 for this week's clash with the Sydney Roosters and the utility looks set to step into Mahoney's shoes full-time in 2026. Hayward had already been signed for next season but the extension is another showing of faith in a player rated highly by Bulldogs hierarchy for his versatility and leadership qualities. "We're extremely happy to have Bailey extend his time at the club," said general manager of football Phil Gould. "He has shown an innate ability to play in multiple positions, and we have a clear vision for him to become a leader in our side." Hayward has become a mainstay of the Bulldogs' first grade side since his debut last year, deployed as a half, lightweight middle forward and hooker across 40 games so far. He previously captained the club's Jersey Flegg team in 2022. The Bulldogs could return to the top two with a defeat of the Roosters at Allianz Stadium on Friday night and could regain fullback Connor Tracey from an abdomen injury for the game. Bailey Hayward is poised to become Canterbury's long-term hooker after signing a contract extension that keeps him at the Bulldogs through 2028. News of Hayward's deal comes two days after he replaced North Queensland-bound Reed Mahoney at starting hooker in the Bulldogs' defeat of the Warriors. Coach Cameron Ciraldo confirmed Hayward would remain as starting No.9 for this week's clash with the Sydney Roosters and the utility looks set to step into Mahoney's shoes full-time in 2026. Hayward had already been signed for next season but the extension is another showing of faith in a player rated highly by Bulldogs hierarchy for his versatility and leadership qualities. "We're extremely happy to have Bailey extend his time at the club," said general manager of football Phil Gould. "He has shown an innate ability to play in multiple positions, and we have a clear vision for him to become a leader in our side." Hayward has become a mainstay of the Bulldogs' first grade side since his debut last year, deployed as a half, lightweight middle forward and hooker across 40 games so far. He previously captained the club's Jersey Flegg team in 2022. The Bulldogs could return to the top two with a defeat of the Roosters at Allianz Stadium on Friday night and could regain fullback Connor Tracey from an abdomen injury for the game.
News.com.au
11-08-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
‘Clear vision for him to become a leader in our side': Bailey Hayward inks new Bulldogs deal
Local junior Bailey Hayward has inked a new deal to remain with the Bulldogs until the end of the 2028 season, with the utility emerging as the club's long-term hooker after he replaced Reed Mahoney in the starting side on the weekend. Hayward signed an extension earlier this year for the 2026 season but has extended his stay for another two years after impressing in several roles. While he's played games at five-eighth, lock and off the bench, Hayward will likely be the club's dummy-half in 2026 after he got through a mountain of work starting there in Saturday's win over the Warriors. Mahoney is off to the Cowboys next year and coach Cameron Ciraldo could keep Hayward in the role leading into the finals. 'We're extremely happy to have Bailey extend his time at the club,' general manager of football Phil Gould said. 'He has shown an innate ability to play in multiple positions, and we have a clear vision for him to become a leader in our side. 'He is a local junior, he bleeds Blue and White and we are very lucky to have him at our club.' Meanwhile, veteran forward Tyson Frizell could bring up 300 NRL games next year after signing a one-year extension to remain in Newcastle. The 33-year-old workhorse made his debut back in 2011 and will play on with the Knights alongside fellow veteran Dane Gagai after initial fears the club wouldn't keep them. 'We are delighted Tyson is staying on for another year,' Knights head of recruitment Peter O'Sullivan said. 'His experience, energy, and work ethic will be vital for the emerging edge players and several new middles we have joining the club. 'Tyson is in terrific condition; despite playing and training with such velocity for over 15 years, his longevity is a testament to his true professionalism. 'With the ability to play middle and edge forward, he gives the squad a strong balance and his extension is a perfect way to celebrate his 100 games at the Newcastle Knights.'
