From Dan Walsh nrl.com
Reed Mahoney couldn't crack Brisbane's development squads as a kid, so he simply followed his old man's example in despising Queensland's flagship club.
The rising Parramatta hooker will be front and centre in Friday's Suncorp Stadium showdown with the Broncos, parents Glenn and Leanne on deck too for a rare chance to see Mahoney perform in the flesh.
Growing up in Nambour on the Sunshine Coast, the same stomping ground as Roosters rake Jake Friend and Maroons utility Moses Mbye, he was no Broncos fan thanks to Glenn.
But he dearly wanted a start in their junior rep squads regardless, only to be passed over despite representing Queensland throughout high school at rugby league and touch footy over the years.
"When I was growing up, one of my mates was with the Broncos," Mahoney says.
"I didn’t actually support the Broncos but I always wanted to be part of the development system there.
"I think I was about 15 when he was in the development [squad]. It did annoy me at the start because we were always making the same teams but it’s just how it is. Life goes on.
"None of the Queensland teams wanted a bar of me [as a teenager]. So, here I am in Sydney."
The 21-year-old is enjoying a breakout season at Parramatta after announcing himself as a player of genuine promise in last year's under 20s Origin, coming off the bench at a million miles an hour in Queensland's 30-12 defeat of the Blues.
Mahoney credits his older brothers for instilling his eye-catching aggro around the ruck.
"If we weren’t hugging each other, we were punching on," he grins. "I’ve learnt to stand up for myself no matter how big or small they are."
And Glenn, an Eels tragic with the homemade blue and gold shrine to prove it, made sure Mahoney had no interest in the Broncos beyond seeing them get beaten.
"He hated them. I don’t know why. It was just one of those things so I jumped on board.
"He’s a big Parra fan. Ever since I can remember. He definitely hated the Broncos. I definitely would be tipping against them the whole time.
"Every time we versed the Broncos it was screaming at the TV and because they’d always win, I don’t think he liked that, too.
"He was a bit biased but that’s how it is."
Replies
Yes good story Wilie C . Great that he hates Broncos . I pick Mahoney as our man of the match v Broncos tomorrow night . Lol .
Favorite story of the year
I moved to Qld 20 years ago and was surprised how many people here hate the Broncos. And some of the things the players have gotten away with over the years... well, swept under the carpet
Sounds like Broncos have pulled the wool over the NRL”s eyes
1. All Queenslanders support Broncos
2. Nrl wants to keep Queenslanders happy so they watch NRL
3. Therefore NRL should make sure Broncos can fit the Queensland and NSW best players under their cap and give them favourable refereeing
Logic is good but premise seems false
According to these reports many Queenslanders hate Broncos and support Eels
So maybe NRL should be making sure Queensland Eels supporters are happy
They're are a great many ex pat NSW'men like myself who didn't transfer their support to the Broncos or QLD. The Dragons, Eels & Bulldogs have huge fan bases up here, it's why the Broncos always want to play us up here in prime time slots.
He might be a Queenslander, but he is blue and gold through and through. I love that we have so many supporters in QLD. Anyone know why that is?
Brisbane is a bit like the Swans or Sydney FC - they are very polarising and a lot of Sydneysiders can't stand them either.
Good point Poppa
there should be Queensland membership
There is
I agree I am from QLD and have supported Parra all my life. So does my wife and five year old daughter. I would love interstate membership. Hawthorn fc offer it and they are a Melbourne team (Afl)
There is a QLD based membership.