Eels star Reed Mahoney caught on camera meeting with Bulldogs powerbrokers

Footage has emerged of the Bulldogs’ launching a daring raid to poach a Parramatta young gun at a popular Chinese restaurant.

Footage surfaces of Reed Mahoney.

Footage has emerged of Eels hooker Reed Mahoney meeting with Canterbury Bulldogs powerbrokers at a restaurant — but some NRL pundits believe Parramatta is still the favourite to keep the No. 9 on their books.

Bulldogs coach Trent Barrett, general manager Phil Gould and chairman John Khoury were spotted wining and dining the 23-year-old at the Dynasty restaurant inside Canterbury Leagues Club on Tuesday evening.

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Mahoney is committed to Parramatta for the 2022 season, but is free to negotiate with rival clubs for 2023 and beyond.

The forward, who was accompanied by veteran manager Sam Ayoub in the clip, has also been linked to the Broncos, Titans and Dolphins.

According to The Daily Telegraph, Mahoney was given a tour of the Bulldogs facilities at Belmore Sports Ground before the meal.

“Reed Mahoney met with the Canterbury Bulldogs attempting to do a deal over the Lazy Susan,” The Daily Telegraph’s David Riccio told SEN 1170 Breakfast.

“I’ve still got Parramatta just in front at this stage, I think his preference is to do a deal with the Eels.

“I believe the Eels are confident he’ll re-sign, this is merely a process of assessing his worth and his value and it might just drive his Parramatta price up.

“But there is no denying whatsoever how hungry and eager the Canterbury Bulldogs are to nail a top draw hooker.

“This is a problem area for the club and Reed Mahoney fits that bill.

“Brandon Smith was originally on their radar, and I think he still is, but I don’t think they’ll get to Brandon Smith money.

“This is why they’re in discussions with Reed Mahoney, as I’ve said this is a real target area for the Bulldogs.”

The Sydney Morning Herald reports Mahoney’s manager is asking for $700,000 a season for his next deal.

Reed Mahoney is committed to Parramatta for the 2022 season. Photo by Speed Media/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Mahoney has played 73 games for the Eels since making his NRL debut in 2018. He was named in Queensland’s squad for game one of the 2021 State of Origin series before a shoulder injury delayed his representative debut.

The Bulldogs have already welcomed a plethora of new players in their roster rebuild, including Josh Addo-Carr, Matt Burton, Matt Dufty, Tevita Pangai Junior, Paul Vaughan, Brent Naden, Braidon Burns and John Asiata.