Reed Mahoney only played 17 minutes for the Bulldogs. Billy Slater has explained why it wasn't a Ciraldo statement

Billy Slater admits he was surprised by the rare benching of Reed Mahoney against the Warriors, after he played only 17 minutes.

Originally named to start, Cameron Ciraldo sprung a selection change with Bailey Hayward starting at hooker.

Mahoney didn't come on to the field until the 64th minute.

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The 27-year-old will head to the Cowboys next year and there's been a sense of expectation that Ciraldo may look at what lies ahead for the future.

Slater said it was "quite surprising" to see Mahoney only play a short cameo.

"(But) the game went their way, there was no need to make that change earlier," he said on Nine's coverage.

"I think it was more a situation rather than a statement. I still think Reed Mahoney plays a huge factor in the remaining game for 2025.

"I still feel their best footy is with Reed Mahoney's service out of dummy half."

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Ciraldo however confirmed that Hayward would be starting in the short-term.

"Definitely next week," the Dogs coach said post-game.

"He's earned the right to start the game through his performances and that's really hard on Reed because Reed's been doing a lot of good things for us and it's not so much about him but about Bailey and what he's been doing for us.

"He's earned the right ... he deserves to stay there."