LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Cameron Ciraldo has made a bold selection decision by omitting Reed Mahoney from the Canterbury squad for their qualifying final against Melbourne, opting to recall Toby Sexton, who hasn't featured in the NRL for two months.
"It's definitely a tough decision, but one that we think is best for the team to help us win this weekend," Ciraldo stated, ahead of the match set for Friday night at AAMI Park.
"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," he added.
Ciraldo emphasized that this choice wasn't solely a response to last round's reshuffle of the backline following Bronson Xerri's departure due to a head knock. Sexton's inclusion is intended to provide coverage for the halves, should there be a need to shift Matt Burton to the wing again.
"A little bit, but it's something we've been thinking about for a while," Ciraldo explained.
"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," he concluded.