Reed Mahoney is the latest member of the successful Canterbury spine to find a new club for next year.
Hot on the heels of halfback Toby Sexton securing a two-year stay at France-based Super League club Catalans, Bulldogs hooker Mahoney will join North Queensland next season on a three-year deal.
The 27-year-old had been given permission by the Bulldogs to speak with other clubs despite being on contract until the end of next season.
On Saturday, the Bulldogs were yet to announce the release of Mahoney to the Cowboys but AAP has been told the deal is done.
The Cowboys had been in the market for an elite No.9 with NSW hooker Reece Robson to join the Sydney Roosters from next season.They have now got their man.
Mahoney has been a key figure in the renaissance of the Bulldogs under coach Cameron Ciraldo. He has played every match since joining the club from Parramatta in 2024, which now stands at 64 games on the trot.
The Bulldogs do have contingencies to cope with the exits of their half and hooker. Bailey Hayward is expected to start at No.9 in 2026 while recent signing Lachlan Galvin is slated to slot into the halves on a regular basis long-term.
Galvin's arrival at the Bulldogs has created a dilemma for Ciraldo, who switched regular No.6 Matt Burton to centre in Friday night's disappointing 22-18 loss to the Broncos - the second defeat in a row for the Bulldogs who entered round 18 in second spot.
The positional switch had mixed success. While Burton was strong in the first half against the Broncos, the Bulldogs lost their way after leading 18-0 with Galvin overplaying his hand and errors eventuating.
Sexton had a strong all-round match and with NSW centre and Canterbury captain Stephen Crichton set to return from his State of Origin duties, Ciraldo must find the right mix to cater for three halves - Burton, Galvin and Sexton - in the run to the finals.