Eels star Mahoney in mix for Maroons
PARRAMATTA dynamo Reed Mahoney has emerged as a State of Origin bolter, with Queensland coach Paul Green keeping a close eye on the Eels No. 9.
Mahoney is one of only a few eligible Queensland players that could be called upon to make their Origin debut in 2021.
The Maroons blooded so many new faces in last year‘s upset series victory under Wayne Bennett that Green may not have to field any debutants this year.
But if he does, Mahoney will be in the mix following a sensational start to the season heading into Friday night’s showdown with the Broncos in Darwin.
Mahoney, who celebrated his 23rd birthday on Thursday, is sitting equal fifth in the Dally M Medal count after polling eight votes in the opening six rounds.
He is a dynamic ballrunner from dummy-half and a hard worker in defence, as evidenced by his average of 48 tackles per game.
After debuting off the bench in last year‘s decider, Storm No. 9 Harry Grant will be promoted to Queensland’s starting hooker when the series begins in Melbourne on June 9.
That has opened the door for a new super sub on Queensland‘s bench, with the likes of Titans fullback AJ Brimson, Dragons halfback Ben Hunt and Mahoney in the mix.
Ahead of his first series in charge of the Maroons, Green said Mahoney had caught his eye and Queensland’s forward depth was strong.
“Harry Grant is back playing now (after a knee injury) which is great and Reed Mahoney has started the year really well,” he said.
“We’ve got a bit of depth in the forwards now. You’ve got the likes of Lindsay Collins, Jai Arrow, Christian Welch, Josh Papalii, Tino (Fa’asuamaleaui), (David) Fifita, (Kurt) Capewell, (Felise) Kaufusi and Jaydn Su’A.
“We’ve got some decent depth there but there is six weeks to go and things can change.”
Bennett handed 14 Queensland players their Origin debuts in 2020 after the Maroons were ravaged by injury in the lead-up to the series.
The likes of Fa’asuamaleaui, Collins, Su’A, Grant and Xavier Coates proved they had long-term futures in the Origin arena in what was a good sign for Queensland.
“It’s good that some guys got experience last year that may not have in different circumstances,” Green said.
“If we need these guys we know they have done it before as opposed to hoping they are up to it,
“(Kalyn) Ponga and Fifita are fit. It gives us a lot of depth. Brimson started the year well and did really well last year. Xavier Coates has been going well in a beaten team.”