How Gould convinced Mahoney to join Bulldogs

Parramatta hooker Reed Mahoney has opened up on his pending move to the Canterbury Bulldogs.

Mahoney, 24, will join the Bulldogs in 2023 on a four-year deal worth a reported $2.4 million.

With his future set for Belmore, Mahoney was asked whether he’d consider reneging on his promise and staying with the Eels beyond this campaign.

“No, I won’t be,” Mahoney replied on SEN 1170 The Run Home.

After confirming his next move, Mahoney explained how Cantebury head of football Phil Gould convinced him to move across from their close rivals in Parramatta.

“I never really met Gus before I did (meet to talk negotiations),” Mahoney said.

“I think just his presence, his plans and his ideas caught my eye a lot.

“Obviously, the players that are heading there and are already there it’s exciting.

“I’m not too worried about that at the moment though.”

While Mahoney is locked in at the Bulldogs, conjecture surrounds their next coach after Trent Barrett left his post in May.

With Mick Potter currently in the role on an interim basis, Mahoney was asked who he thought could take over full-time from next season.

“Honestly, I’ve got no idea,” Mahoney said.

“I don’t know.”

While the Canterbury switch is on the horizon, Mahoney’s eyes are firmly set on Parramatta’s 2022 season.

Currently sitting in sixth position, Mahoney hopes the Eels can string some wins together and make a top-four push.

“I think if we can over the next four or five weeks string some wins together, we can give ourselves a really hot chance,” Mahoney said.

“We need to get ourselves in the top four and secure ourselves there at the end of the year.

“You’ve seen all the stats, you need to be in the top four to win the comp … that’s what we’re aiming for.”

The Eels next face the Tigers at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday night.