‘Reed Mahoney Under Fire for Instigating Melee as Bulldogs Battle in Rain’

Canterbury faced their second defeat of the season, succumbing to a 44-8 loss in rainy conditions against the Dolphins on Thursday night.

The wet weather wreaked havoc early on, with Kurt Donoghoe sustaining a broken nose that forced him off the field, only to make a surprising return just 15 minutes later.

“I can’t believe he’s come back on,” Andrew Johns remarked during the coverage on Nine.

Matt Burton had a moment of concern as well, briefly leaving the field for a head injury assessment, but was ultimately cleared to continue.

On the scoresheet, Jamayne Isaako opened the scoring with an outstanding one-handed finish, propelling the Dolphins into an early lead, before Lipoi Hopoi levelled the contest for the hosts.

Just before half-time, a defensive lapse from Bronson Xerri allowed the Dolphins to regain their momentum, with Jack Bostock crossing in the corner.

“Bronson Xerri completely neglects the ball… what was he thinking?” Brad Fittler commented during the Nine broadcast.

Johns light-heartedly suggested that the Bulldogs centre seemed more interested in an intercept than making the tackle.

“He was obviously thinking intercept,” he chuckled.

This late first-half score energised the Redcliffe-based side as utility Harrison Graham added to their tally shortly after the break.

With 20 minutes remaining, emotions ran high after Donoghoe was placed on report for a late hit on Toby Sexton that left the Dogs’ halfback in a precarious position.

Catch the 2025 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.

Despite the tackle occurring at the same time, referee Todd Smith awarded the penalty, which incensed Reed Mahoney, who charged in, instigating a brawl between the two sides.

“You can’t put players in danger, but Reed Mahoney should have known better too,” Fittler observed during the commentary.

Johns also questioned why Mahoney wasn’t sent to the sin-bin for his actions.

The controversial dummy-half received a warning from Smith.

“You’re out of chances now,” the referee stated.

This altercation ignited the Dolphins further, with Herbie Farnworth scoring from close range, followed by Francis Molo bagging his first try in Dolphins colours.

Jake Averillo sealed the deal late in the match, scoring under the posts against his former team, while Donoghoe concluded a surreal evening with a try, marking what could be one of the Bulldogs’ best wins of the season.

“No one deserves a try more than him,” Johns concluded.