Rugby league Immortal-in-waiting Cameron Smith has called on Canterbury to rethink their spine and restore Reed Mahoney to the starting hooker role.
The Bulldogs locked in a top-four finish with a 28-4 win over a reserve-grade Panthers side.
However, questions remain about Cameron Ciraldo’s decision to play Mahoney off the bench in recent weeks.
The Bulldogs sat atop the NRL Ladder with an 11-2 record in Round 16, but have fallen to a 5-5 record since then.
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Smith calls for Mahoney switch
Speaking on Channel Nine, Smith said Canterbury would be stronger if Mahoney returned to the No.9 jersey in place of Bailey Hayward.
“I really think Reed Mahoney should be back in that nine jersey,” Smith said.
“I think they are a better side with Mahoney in it.
“They play more direct when Reed is there, and I think he creates more of a threat from that ruck area, which is vitally important coming into these big games.”
Smith also highlighted Mahoney’s kicking game as a potential weapon in the finals.
“One big 40/20 kick or one long kick early at the right time in these finals games can really shift the momentum back in your favour,” he said.
Thurston raises concerns
Johnathan Thurston echoed Smith’s concerns, questioning whether Canterbury’s attack has the spark required for a premiership push.
“They say there’s a lot of improvement in them but they’re starting to run out of time to get it right,” Thurston said.
“They’ve got one more round and then it’s showtime … I just don’t know where I see that improvement.
“I’m questioning whether Reed Mahoney can create that spark that they need.”
Ciraldo faces a big decision
Ciraldo has stood firm on his recent reshuffle, with Hayward continuing to start at hooker while Mahoney provides impact from the bench.
The Bulldogs coach has maintained the changes were designed to sharpen Canterbury’s attack in the lead-up to finals.
But with Mahoney set to depart the club at the end of the season, the pressure is growing on Ciraldo to reconsider who gives his side the best chance of winning now.
Hayward has impressed as a long-term prospect, but the calls from Smith and Thurston add weight to the belief Canterbury need Mahoney’s experience and direction in September.
With the Bulldogs facing Cronulla in their final regular-season game, Ciraldo has just one more chance to settle his spine before finals begin.