LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Cameron Ciraldo has made the decisive choice to omit Reed Mahoney from the Canterbury Bulldogs' qualifying final lineup against the Melbourne Storm, opting instead to recall Toby Sexton, who hasn't participated in NRL for two months.
As the Bulldogs aim for their first finals victory since 2015, Ciraldo noted that delivering the news to Mahoney was a "hard" conversation. Mahoney was the starting hooker until round 19 but was replaced by Bailey Hayward.
"It's definitely a tough decision but one that we think is best for the team to help us win this weekend," Ciraldo stated in anticipation of the match on Friday night at AAMI Park.
He also acknowledged the emotional impact on Mahoney: "At the forefront of the mind is how hard that would be for Reed and it's really important that we reinforce how much we love him and we're here to support him but there are tough decisions you've got to make at different times in this job and it's what we think is best for the team."
Ciraldo indicated that the choice was not solely a consequence of the recent backline reshuffle following the head injury to centre Bronson Xerri, as Sexton is capable of filling in at halfback, allowing Matt Burton to shift into the outside backs if necessary.
"A little bit, but it's something we've been thinking about for a while," he remarked. "What he [Sexton] will do is cover the halves and allow Burto [Burton] to cover the outside backs. He will cover hooker as well, which he's been playing a fair bit in NSW Cup."