When Canterbury Bulldogs announced the signing of diminutive figure Reed Mahoney for the 2023 NRL season onwards, their competitors were shocked to say the least.
Mahoney has earned a reputation for himself as one of the toughest hookers in the competition after being released by the Bulldogs as a youngster.
But, the Eel has broken his silence – and wants to focus on 2022 in Parramatta shirt.
“I don’t mean to be rude but for me right now all I am focused on is Parramatta and trying to win a premiership with the Eels,” Mahoney told Fox Sports.
“It’s a great club and a big club and it’s been a long time since Parramatta were able to win a title.
“Every club is focused on trying to win the premiership at this stage of the year and at Parramatta we’re no different.
“We’ve got a great group of players, we’re all aware of the history of the Eels and we’re all committed to trying to have as much on-field success as we can.
“That’s no disrespect to Canterbury – I obviously made a decision at the end of last year that means I’ll be a Bulldog in 2023 – but my focus for this season is 120 per cent on Parramatta.
”I owe it to the club because the club has been very good to me.”
To owe it to his current head coach Brad Arthur, Mahoney ensured that Arthur heard it first – and immediately – from the number nine himself.
“The first thing I wanted to do once I’d made my decision was to go and see Brad and let him know,” Mahoney said.
“The type of person that I am I wanted to be the first to let him know face-to-face and then I also wanted to make sure I could get in front of my teammates to tell them what was happening.
“The boys have been great. Everyone is excited about what we can try and do as a club at the Eels this year and the good thing is the new season is coming up quick.”
