Bulldogs tie down key forward to new deal
Jasper Bruce |
Bailey Hayward is poised to become Canterbury’s long-term hooker after signing a contract extension that keeps him at the Bulldogs through 2028.
News of Hayward’s deal comes two days after he replaced North Queensland-bound Reed Mahoney at starting hooker in the Bulldogs’ defeat of the Warriors.
Coach Cameron Ciraldo confirmed Hayward would remain as starting No.9 for this week’s clash with the Sydney Roosters and the utility looks set to step into Mahoney’s shoes full-time in 2026.
Hayward had already been signed for next season but the extension is another showing of faith in a player rated highly by Bulldogs hierarchy for his versatility and leadership qualities.
“We’re extremely happy to have Bailey extend his time at the club,” said general manager of football Phil Gould.
“He has shown an innate ability to play in multiple positions, and we have a clear vision for him to become a leader in our side.”
Hayward has become a mainstay of the Bulldogs’ first grade side since his debut last year, deployed as a half, lightweight middle forward and hooker across 40 games so far.
He previously captained the club’s Jersey Flegg team in 2022.
The Bulldogs could return to the top two with a defeat of the Roosters at Allianz Stadium on Friday night and could regain fullback Connor Tracey from an abdomen injury for the game.
AAP
