Mahoney won't look for break leading into finals

Parramatta hooker Reed Mahoney is confident he won't need a week's rest leading into the Telstra Premiership finals series despite being on track to match his tackle record for a second consecutive season.

Mahoney hasn't missed a minute of action since making a return from ankle surgery in round three and took advantage of Parramatta's 10-day turnaround this week with an extra few days rest after a gruelling two-month schedule.

Last year's leading tackle maker in the competition with 1221, Mahoney is on track to join Rabbitohs hooker Damien Cook in the top two again after making 519 in 11 games.

Eels coach Brad Arthur has named Will Smith in the reserves throughout the season but is yet to use the utility, highlighting Mahoney's durability in his third year at the elite level.

"There are no worries there, I'm doing everything I can to play each week," Mahoney said on Tuesday.

"I'm feeling good, we had a few days off over the weekend and I try and look after my body with ice baths and things like that.

"I think everyone's doing what they can to get on the paddock each week and it's part of the sport."

The Nambour-born hooker has been earmarked alongside the likes of Ben Hunt, Jake Friend and Harry Grant as Queensland's next potential Origin No.9 at season's end after consistent performances.

The Eels' opponents this week, Canterbury, let Mahoney slip through their hands as a teenager – not that he holds too many grudges over past decisions.

"It was a while back, I only played 18s there," Mahoney said.

"We know the Bulldogs are playing some great footy. They'll take confidence out of the [Knights win] on the weekend.

"You can't take any team for granted. We could see that on the weekend if you don't turn up no matter who you're versing you have to be at your best.

"We'll have to be at our best. We want to put a really strong performance in."

The Eels are hopeful the 10-day turnaround will also benefit the health of Ryan Matterson, who left the field with a head knock in last week's win over the Wests Tigers.

"He's alright, he's come in and has followed all the protocols," Eels five-eighth Mitchell Moses said.

"Our performance staff and doctors will monitor him during the week and see how he goes.

"I think he should be sweet. It's all part of the game, it's a heavy contact sport and these things happen."