LAS VEGAS: Reed Mahoney admits his exit from Canterbury will act as "motivation" as he prepares to officially start a new chapter with the Cowboys this weekend.
The star hooker was released by the Bulldogs with a year to run on his contract after he was dropped midway through the 2025 campaign in favour of Bailey Hayward, which came as part of the Lachlan Galvin saga that saw Toby Sexton also pushed out.
Mahoney's axing and subsequent departure has remained the topic of debate over the off-season despite his move to North Queensland.
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The 27-year-old told The Sydney Morning Herald this month he was still "not sure" why the Bulldogs parted ways with him, prompting a response from Cameron Ciraldo during a recent podcast interview on Unscripted with Josh Mansour.
"Him leaving was sort of dealt with by his manager, Gus (Phil Gould) and Reed – that was sort of done behind the scenes," Ciraldo said.
"Reed's got my number too, he can ring me any time."
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While the uncertainty remains for Mahoney, he won't be taking up Ciraldo's offer.
"There's no need to at all … no need," he told Wide World of Sports in Las Vegas.
"I've just taken it in my stride. I've got to head up to North Queensland to try and earn the respect of the players and my coaches with hard work and hopefully I've done that.
"That stuff is all in the past for me now, but I'm taking it as a little bit of motivation for myself and I'm really excited for what's next."
Mahoney will bring a wealth of experience to North Queensland this season, having played 175 first grade games across stints with the Eels and Bulldogs, while also featuring in the 2022 grand final and State of Origin camps for Queensland.
The tough dummy-half believes he can become a leader amongst the Cowboys playing group in his first year, while also heaping praise on a talented youngster.
"I do come to the club with a bit of experience, but there's also plenty of experience within the group as well," he said.
"We've got a really experienced forward pack – our backline is probably not as experienced, but they are very talented.
"Jaxon Purdue has been unbelievable, he's one hell of a player and a bit of an X-factor in our team who can really create something from nothing."
North Queensland's first task will come on Sunday afternoon (AEDT) when they take on wooden spooners Newcastle, who are boosted by the signing of Dylan Brown.
Mahoney acknowledged while the off-field part of the Las Vegas season opener has been brilliant for the club, all that matters is getting the two points at Allegiant Stadium.
"It's unreal – we got here over the weekend and it probably didn't hit us until we trained this arvo," he said.
"I've never been to Vegas so it's pretty exciting and it's exactly like they, the place just doesn't stop. It's great to experience it and to play a game over here is pretty wild.
"But experiencing being in Vegas isn't our main priority – it's to get our preparation right and to perform on Saturday.
"If we can perform, we'll enjoy the experience even more."
Cowboys players were swarmed by hundreds or possibly even thousands of fans on Wednesday afternoon (local time) at the club's official signing session.
Mahoney has been named in the No.9 jumper, with captain Tom Dearden set to partner Jake Clifford in the halves for round one.
