Parramatta hooker Reed Mahoney taking tips from the game’s gun rakes

Parramatta’s Reed Mahoney has carefully plucked elements from the game’s greatest hookers in his bid to be the best he can be - and on Sunday all that hard work is set to pay off.

Parramatta’s Reed Mahoney is turning himself into rugby league’s version of Frankenstein’s monster.

In an attempt to become the best hooker he can be, Mahoney has carefully plucked elements from the game’s greatest hookers to build his own creation.

But there doesn’t seem to be any madness to his science because Mahoney, 20, will be the starting hooker for the Eels in the Western Sydney derby against Penrith at Panthers Stadium on Sunday.

Reed Mahoney will be the starting hooker for the Eels in round one of the 2019 season. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Peled

“I like to grab bits and pieces from everyone,” Mahoney said.

“I look at Cam Smith, Jake Friend, Damien Cook, Mick Ennis, all those blokes. I see what works for them which could work for me.

“For example, Damien Cook runs a lot. I like to bring that into my game.

“Watch a bit of Cameron Smith, grab that, take it out on the field and put it into my game.

“I want to play good footy, be consistent and be in that top 17 for as long as I can. Hopefully for the whole season.

“I have to do what’s best for myself and my team. I want to have that team-first mentality.”

Damien Cook had a breakout year for the Rabbitohs in 2018. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts

Cameron Smith of the Storm sets the benchmark for hookers in the NRL. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

Mahoney arrived at Parramatta from the Sunshine Coast via Canterbury.

He played nine NRL games last season and impressed in a Parramatta side which claimed the wooden spoon.

“I’ve realised your rugby league career can be short,” he said. “You have to keep that level head. I keep busy off the field as well. I’d like to say I have a level head.

“I have made a goal for myself that my preparation and recovery will be the best it can be. It’s such a long season.

Reed Mahoney training with the Eels at Old Saleyards Reserve, Parramatta. Picture: Brett Costello

“I’m a big part of the team and I get bashed around a bit playing in the middle.

“All the little things add up. They are things I’m really going to work hard on.”

Kaysa Pritchard, probably Eels coach Brad Arthur’s first-choice hooker, remains on what the club describes as “indefinite leave”.

Arthur is continuing to search for depth at hooker but Mahoney has been given first crack and he is refreshed and ready to go.

“I feel great,” Mahoney said. “I had a great weekend (before the season started) and took some time away from footy. I just chilled out with a couple of my mates. I just cleared my head.

“So coming to training today, everyone is just excited to get out there and play some footy.

“I saw on the gym board today is week 20 (of pre-season training). We have had a massive, massive pre-season and we all now just can’t wait to get out there on Sunday.”

Mahoney wants to take care of business on the field and off it.

“I do a bit of study,” he said. “I have just finished my cert three and four in business and my PT (personal training).

“Parramatta are pushing it, to keep the boys busy off the field.

“There is a stat going around that if you keep the boys busy off the field there won’t be as many dramas.

“But at the moment my head is around round one this Sunday.”