BREAKING: Eels dealt ANOTHER big blow as Mahoney joins rival on bumper deal

https://foxsportspmd-a.akamaihd.net/free/nogeoblock/2021/11/23/DVU_231121_NRL_TINO_TITANS_2021_23_11_11_19_25_202111232222/DVU_231121_NRL_TINO_TITANS_2021_23_11_11_19_25_202111232222_1596.mp4","type":"video/mp4"}]]">

https://www.foxsports.com.au/pmd/images/2021/11/23/814213_640x360_large_20211123223832.jpg 640w" class="i-amphtml-layout-fill i-amphtml-layout-size-defined i-amphtml-element i-amphtml-built i-amphtml-layout" i-amphtml-layout="fill" i-amphtml-auto-lightbox-visited="">

https://www.foxsports.com.au/pmd/images/2021/11/23/814213_640x360_large_20211123223832.jpg 640w" alt="Tino the Titan extends his contract" />

Tino the Titan extends his contract | 01:08

James Hooper from Fox Sports

November 25th, 2021 12:44 pm

The Parramatta Eels have suffered another savage recruitment blow with archrivals the Bulldogs poaching gun hooker Reed Mahoney on a four-year deal for 2023 and beyond.

Mahoney informed coach Brad Arthur of his decision on Thursday morning in the latest cruel twist under the Eels’ roster management committe regime.

It comes after the Eels upped the ante in a last ditch bid to retain Mahoney.

The Eels initially low-balled Mahoney with a two-year extension worth around $900,000 while the Bulldogs went straight into serious negotiations with a four-year $2.4 million deal.

The Eels have borne the brunt of intense criticism for losing backrowers Isaiah Papali’i and Marata Niukore but if the blue and golds also lose Mahoney then it will be open slather on the club’s recruitment and retention strategy.

Fox Sports was told the Eels increased their offer to Mahoney in the past 24 hours.

Mahoney’s agent Sam Ayoub was reluctant to go into detail aside from saying: “We’ve had constructive discussions with Parramatta over the last few months and they’ve again improved their offer slightly in recent days.”

"Well i forgot who here said it but the report was he took Tuivaiti under his wing and that is why he stayed. I reckon he is doing the same to Talagi and Brown. They all talk how good Moa is with the Polyneasian boys but Paulo, added with the respect…"

"Yep, I'd much rather Paulo on our side than in the opposition. He had one of his best seasons for many years this year and is still strong and skilful. As you say, I can see Junior in a mentoring role for the younger players."

"Add to that the long list of rookies at the club, many of which were thrown into NRL last season. It's not quite Dad's Army, but the club does need to ensure that we continue to have the right mix of experience and youth."

Replies

Gaz Nelson November 25, 2021 at 10:55pm

Shame to lose Reed.. $600k pa doesn't seem much for a quality hooker. Glass half full .. don't think we missed him much in the finals last year .. running game is average, defence reliable without being amazing..

If only Ray Stone had a passing game .. Ennis will be a busy boy
The Captain November 25, 2021 at 11:19pm

Have we still got Nathaniel Roache signed for 2022?
- Perpetual Motion > The Captain November 27, 2021 at 12:35am
  
  He is listed as no contract for 22. We could prob get him back for SFA. His injury status went from few weeks to rest of season so might be something not so good going on there. Keep hearing Brendan Hands is a potential star but cant find any evidence that we have sgned him yet.
EA November 25, 2021 at 11:37pm

I hope the crowd boo Mahoney everytime he gets the ball next year. If he gets pissed, force him to take hit ups himself so he can get floored. If NAS, Tamalolo or Haas are running at him, hope our forwards move out the way and let Mahoney get steam rolled so he can another corniflower ear.
Rise of an empire November 26, 2021 at 4:39pm

Absolutely filthy we lost Mahoney
josh jones December 3, 2021 at 1:14am

Can we change the title to "Pig Dogs...". To be honest that's how we should be calling them regardless.