Mitchell Moses has professed his love for the Eels and says he’s learned from previous contract stand-offs as Parramatta prepare to get down to business after their grand final heartbreak.
Halfback Moses, one of the most valuable players in the game, has only weeks to sign an extension at the Eels for season 2024 and beyond or will be able to field offers from rival clubs on November 1.
Given Moses has only just become a father and is preparing to fly out to the United Kingdom with the Lebanon squad for the World Cup later this week, time is of the essence for Parramatta as the 28-year-old edges closer to the NRL’s $1 million-a-season club.
“I would love something to get sorted, but I have left it up to my management,” Moses said.
“I love this place. They have been so good to me and to experience something like this [grand final] makes you want to come back.
“I felt like in the past I would have let that stuff affect my footy. I feel like it is a positive that it didn’t affect my footy.
Eels halfback Mitchell Moses will be a free agent on November 1.Credit:Getty
“I am not really worried at all. In the past, I have handled it probably the wrong way. I have learnt from those mistakes, I am pretty cruisy.
“I have full trust that something will get sorted. It’s only a matter of time.”
Moses will join halves partner Dylan Brown as signing priorities for the Eels, who had Reed Mahoney, Isaiah Papali’i and Marata Niukore all sign for other clubs during last year’s summer frenzy.
All three were part of their grand final team that were blown away by the Panthers on Sunday night.
Given the dearth of quality halves in the competition, Moses and Brown will be sought after across the NRL.
There’s a feeling the Eels will be in the box seat to retain both after their magical run to the grand final, their first since 2009.
“Some of the additions we have got coming next year will definitely add some experience,” Moses said.
“I definitely think we will be better for it. I think we will be more hungry – you can see how much it hurts everyone in the sheds.
“I thought they [Penrith] were unbelievable. You dream of this since [you are] young, to be in this moment. I thought we started well – the first 10 minutes was physical and we were going set for set.
“Some moments we didn’t nail in defence and it cost us. They’re a quality side. There are no real words to [describe how it went]. Hopefully we come back next year and we have a real fight.”
