Mitchell Moses is poised to make a call on his future before the NRL season kicks off, with the chances of future premiership success – rather than his pay packet – to be the determining factor in his decision.
The chase for the Parramatta playmaker’s signature appears to be a race in two after Canterbury pulled out of the running having secured promising playmaker Karl Oloapu. The Eels and Moses’ former side Wests Tigers have made their pitches, with the latter deal understood to be more financially lucrative.
Moses’ future was one of the big talking points at the Eels’ media day at Kellyville Park, where the team is preparing for its opening trial against grand final opponents Penrith. The 28-year-old gave little away about which way he was leaning, but said winning a premiership would be the main motivator.
“I want to win a comp. Simple as that,” Moses said. “Speak to any other players and they want to win a comp, that’s all I’ve wanted to do since I started playing footy at four years old.”We were close last year. I can take some lessons out of that, and I want to win the comp. Simple as that.”
Moses has been through protracted and public contract negotiations before, most notably when he left the Tigers. The Lebanon international said he had learnt from those experiences and wouldn’t allow the current talks to become a distraction.
“Definitely I want to get it sorted before the season starts,” he said. “I’ve definitely handled things better and my management has been outstanding in that aspect, they have allowed me to focus fully on footy.
Mitchell Moses has a big contract call to make.Credit:Sydney Morning Herald
“I’ve handled the talk about it [better]. I’ve blocked everything out, my management worries about those things. It allows me to focus on Parramatta and train good here, not come to training and be affected by what’s going to happen.
“I haven’t felt any pressure. I’ve handled it a lot better than in the past, you learn from those past negotiations and contract talks. Whatever happens, happens, I guess.”
The Tigers appear to be in a better position to make a compelling pitch than was previously the case. They have a new centre of excellence, an improving roster and a transition plan that will eventually result in Benji Marshall taking over as head coach from Tim Sheens.
The other selling point is the chance to reunite with former halves partner Luke Brooks, who has been encouraging Moses to make the shift.
“Definitely I want to get it sorted before the season starts.”
Mitchell Moses on contract talks
“Me and Brooksy speak a lot, we’re best mates,” Moses said. “We speak all the time about everything. We’ve had a few conversations, me and Brooksy. My full focus this year is on Parramatta.
“Hopefully we get something sorted before the start of the year … You see all the talk but it hasn’t really come to me, I haven’t had to think about that side of it yet.”
Moses’ uncle, Tigers legend Ben Elias, has urged his nephew to stay put, while father John – a lifelong Eels fans, will likely provide the same advice. The halfback admits Dylan Brown’s decision to re-sign is also food for thought, but won’t rush a decision.
“I haven’t felt any pressure, I’ve handled it a lot better,” he said. “It’s obviously a bit frustrating for everyone else, but I’m pretty cruisy about it.”
New halves coach Trent Barrett is urging Moses to be more “on the ball” this season, meaning he won’t be shackled to just one side of the ruck.
“He’s been outstanding, Baz,” Moses said. “I’ve never had a halves coach who is so calm, he’s really narrowed my game down a bit. Having Hodgo [new hooker Josh Hodgson] there is massive with his experience and leadership, he’s been big for my game as well.
“Me and Baz, I have a convo with him probably every day about what we are going to do. I love talking footy, he loves talking footy, he’s just been perfect. Hopefully we can replicate what we’re trying to work on here in the season.”
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