Canterbury are set to spring a major surprise in Friday’s qualifying final against Melbourne, with star hooker Reed Mahoney likely to be dropped in favour of out-of-favour halfback Toby Sexton.
According to Nine’s Danny Weidler, Sexton is in line for a bench spot after being named in the extended 22-man squad, despite not playing first grade in almost two months.
The 24-year-old, who will leave the club at the end of the season, has been filling in at hooker for the Bulldogs’ NSW Cup side in recent weeks.
Mahoney the casualty in Ciraldo’s reshuffle
If confirmed, Sexton’s return would come at Mahoney’s expense, with utility Bailey Hayward expected to retain the No.9 jumper. The Cowboys-bound Mahoney has already seen his minutes slashed during the back half of the season, and Friday’s clash could mark his final appearance in blue and white.
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The move continues Cameron Ciraldo’s sweeping changes in the run-in to finals. Since Lachlan Galvin’s arrival, the Dogs’ playmaking spine has shifted repeatedly – first with Sexton at halfback, then Galvin promoted alongside Matt Burton, and now another shuffle on the eve of knockout football.
Many experts, including Johnathan Thurston and Cameron Smith, had publicly urged Ciraldo to restore Mahoney to the starting line-up for the finals. Instead, the coach appears to be doubling down on a bold new approach.
Meanwhile, young forward Harry Hayes is pushing to return from a hamstring injury and could also be in contention for the Storm clash.