A couple of Parramatta Eels supporters caught the Townsville security staff napping after Friday’s thrilling preliminary final.

Were the security staff napping?

A couple of Eels supporters sprinted onto Queensland Country Bank Stadium after Parramatta’s thrilling preliminary final victory over the North Queensland Cowboys on Friday evening, planting a kiss on Reed Mahoney’s forehead.

After the final siren sounded in Townsville, two ecstatic pitch invaders stormed onto the field and embraced Eels forward Isaiah Papali‘i before rushing over towards Mahoney.

Eventually, a member of the security staff rushed in and escorted the jubilant gentlemen from the venue.

“Little slow to react in Townsville, the security,” former New South Wales representative Michael Ennis laughed on Fox League.

The Eels pulled off a huge 24-20 upset to book their place in the NRL Grand Final, where they will face either the South Sydney Rabbitohs or Penrith Panthers.

The Cowboys had not lost their seven previous finals in Townsville, but the Eels broke that record in a gutsy performance on Friday night.

“I want us to walk out with our heads up, I know they are disappointed, they really are, but we put some respect back into the jersey and the club,” Cowboys coach Todd Payten told reporters at the post-match press conference.

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“We have got a good foundation, if we don’t fall in love with ourselves and continue to work hard and get better, we will be back here again.

“It is hard to get here, we know that, and that is what makes the opportunity missed so disappointing, but we have got an abundance of talent.

“They are great kids, they work hard, we just need to keep pushing along … I have been proud of our lads for a long time, their attitude and their want to get better.”


what champions, that's passion right there. Surely no one's going to make a big deal out of this? Game was over and done with and it wasn't even on the field it was on the sideline, emotion got the best of them I think, what a moment to remember for them great scenes. Anyone know who they are? 

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  • One things for sure, Todd Paytens stocks just went up as a coach, he's really on the rise and might turn out to be a quality long term coach.

    I was impressed with him in the presser to, he sounds a pretty based bloke, will be interesting to see how he goes long term.

    • Agree Snakie 

  • I don't think Reed cared in the slightest , in fact it looked like Reed told security to go easy on them as they were dragged away .  

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