UPDATE
It seems Reed Mahoney will have to wait a bit longer for his State of Origin debut, after being released from Queensland’s extended squad to play for the Eels, and then suffering injury.
The 23-year-old was initially selected in a Maroons 20-man line-up on Monday but was let go later in the week, to play for Parramatta on Sunday. He suffered a shoulder injury in their game and could be sidelined for a couple of weeks.
He was told he could play for the Eels after Maroons No.9 Harry Grant and utility AJ Brimson seemed to overcome injury doubts.
EARLIER
Landsborough’s Reed Mahoney is in line to make his State of Origin debut, after being named in an extended squad for Queensland.
The 23-year-old was on Monday included in a 20-strong line-up, to be cut to 18, for the series opener against New South Wales at Townsville on June 9.
The group has assembled in Brisbane to prepare for the contest.
Coach Paul Green phoned Mahoney to let him know, and he told media the tough Eels No.9 was excited to be selected.
“He was over the moon.
“He was fairly quiet (during the conversation) but I would have liked to have had a camera there to see what happened once we got off the phone.”
Green said Mahoney deserved a call-up to the team, after making some big strides during his first two years of NRL.
“He’s been a really consistent performer. He’s really worked on his game too,” he said.
“When he first came in and was playing first grade there were a few areas of his game he needed to improve on but in the last year and a bit he’s definitely worked hard in those areas and improved and has been really consistent.”
Green urged the new players in the Maroons squad to “make sure you enjoy” the lead-up to an Origin encounter.
“It’s a wonderful experience but you’ve got to remember there’s a game at the end of it and that’s what we’re here for. You want to get your preparation right so when it comes to game day, you’re ready to play.”
Mahoney grew up in the Sunshine Coast hinterland at Landsborough, and played for Beerwah and then Kawana as a junior.
Bulldogs president Shannan Roy said the club was proud to see one of their own selected for Queensland.
“We’re ecstatic,” he said.
“To have a former player get to that level is awesome.
“Our junior numbers are growing, and this helps, when you see there is a pathway for the kids to come through Beerwah.
“As a club we couldn’t be more proud.”’
Mahoney played with the Bulldogs until under-15, when he linked with the Dolphins.
Kawana president Roger Bretherton said he was a standout there, in U15s, U16s and U18s.
“We’re extremely proud of Reed,” he said.
“From an early stage we knew he was destined to go on to play at a high level, that’s for sure.”
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Bretherton said Mahoney had some great football traits, even as a youngster.
“It was mainly his determination. He was one of the most determined young men I’ve seen come through the ranks.”
“He was small, as everyone can still see (175cm, 86kg), but he has always had that great skill set and the ability to read the game.
“And his defensive abilities are second to none.
“He’s not going to let anyone down when it comes to Origin.”
Mahoney could be Beerwah’s first product to play at State of Origin level, while he is the first Kawana product to be selected for the Maroons since Chris Flannery and Adam Mogg played in 2006.
Noosa’s Jake Friend was the last player form the region to make his debut for Queensland, last year, before retiring after several concussions.
Meanwhile, Gympie product Tino Fa’asuamaleaui was again selected in the squad, alongside another former Sunshine Coast Falcons player Harry Grant.
Grant has not played since early May and is battling a hamstring strain. He could be the Maroons’ starting hooker, with Mahoney coming off the bench, or vice-versa. There is also a slim chance Mahoney could miss a spot in the game day roster altogether.
Townsville was announced on Monday as the venue for the series opener, after there was a spike in COVID-19 cases in Melbourne. Games two and three are scheduled for Sydney and Brisbane.
Maroons squad
1 Kalyn Ponga
2 Xavier Coates
3 Kurt Capewell
4 Dane Gagai
5 Valentine Holmes
6 Cameron Munster
7 Daly Cherry-Evans (c)
8 Christian Welch
9 Harry Grant
10 Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
11 Felise Kaufusi
12 David Fifita
13 Jai Arrow
14 AJ Brimson
15 Jaydn Su’A
16 Moeaki Fotuaika
17 Joe Ofahengaue
18 Kyle Feldt
19 Reed Mahoney
20 Coen Hess
