Reed Mahoney reveals the reason behind Parramatta’s form surge

After the thumping of Wests Tigers, Parramatta fans can be forgiven for daring to dream. But rookie rake Reed Mahoney says there is a simple reason for the Eels’ form surge.

• Who’s Bruce? Call that typified Norman
• Cleary rejects role in Gould Panthers demise

Parramatta’s in-form spine has a simple reason why they are gelling as well as any other in the competition, according to hooker Reed Mahoney.

The rookie rake who is growing with every performance said the spine of himself, Mitchell Moses, Jaeman Salmon and Clint Gutherson keep “each other accountable”.

The quartet were mesmerising in their last-start thumping of Wests Tigers on Monday where they raced in 51-points to open Bankwest Stadium in style.

“You have Mitch and salmon, Gutho (Gutherson) are playing outstanding,” Mahoney said. “When they want the ball they give it to them.

“We are good mates. We do a lot of stuff outside of footy. On the field we are keeping everyone accountable.

“It’s coming out on the footy field. We bounced back from the Raiders game (which the Eels lost 10-9). We were disappointed. It’s a long week in footy.

“I’m just doing my job and what I have to do for the team. I pride myself on working hard. I’m not going to go away from it.”

The Eels won’t hide from their performances. Image: Matt Blyth/Getty Images

The victory last Monday doubled as Mahoney’s 21st birthday. He has cemented himself as the Eels frontline hooker and playing the duration, enabling coach Brad Arthur to go with four forwards on the interchange.

The Eels face a Newcastle side on Sunday who are in the midst of a form slump. It was just last year where the Eels found themselves in a similar spot to the Knights — battling form among growing expectations.

LISTEN! Matty with Paul Kent and James Hooper dissect the spin behind Phil Gould’s exit from the Panthers and reveal just how one match at Parramatta’s new stadium has completely changed the Sydney rugby league scene.

“Newcastle are pretty disappointing this year,” Mahoney said. “They are looking for a win. They will try and out enthuse us.”

Meanwhile, back-rower Shaun Lane said he is thriving in his role at the Eels.

“I’ve been given a bit more opportunity this year as was the case at the back end of last year,” Lane, who signed from Manly said.

“It helps when the team is going well and we have strong middles. It’s easy for me to play off the back of that.”