NRL Review: Bulldogs hooker Reed Mahoney is suspended after the match due to….
Bulldogs hooker Reed Mahoney remarked on the recurring trend of being targeted in recent games, labeling it as a case of “big man syndrome” among some forwards. In the latest incident, Mahoney found himself on the receiving end of an Alex Seyfarth headbutt during a heated moment in Saturday’s match, likely to draw attention from the match review committee.
Reflecting on the event, Mahoney described rushing in to defuse a scuffle, only to unexpectedly encounter Seyfarth’s action. This marks the second instance in consecutive games where Mahoney has been singled out for confrontation, following a similar altercation with Jack Hetherington from the Knights. Despite sporting a shiner under his left eye, Mahoney attributed it to a training collision with Viliame Kikau, distancing it from the on-field incident.
Mahoney’s proactive involvement in confrontations has earned him criticism but he remains unapologetic, emphasizing his commitment to defending his teammates. He believes his actions unsettle opponents who struggle to respond appropriately. Refusing to dwell on past altercations, Mahoney underscores his focus on leaving everything on the field and playing with passion, leaving any personal disputes behind.
As for the incident involving Hetherington, Mahoney opts not to delve into details, indicating his preference to keep such matters confined to the field. He acknowledges the emotional intensity of the game but chooses to move forward without dwelling on past conflicts.
