Mitchell Moses signs monster extension with the Eels, club now turns its focus to trying to keep Dylan Brown

The Eels have locked in their most important player on a monster new deal, with their focus now shifting to trying to keep their other star playmaker.

One half of Parramatta’s contract conundrum has been sorted, with captain Mitchell Moses agreeing to a new five-year deal that will likely keep him in the blue and gold jersey for life.

Moses had signed a monster extension back in 2023 to keep him at the club until 2026 with a player option for a further two seasons, but this new deal removes all the clauses and ensures one of the best halfbacks in the world is locked in long term for an extra year.

It’s a huge boost for the Eels who are also fighting to keep five-eighth Dylan Brown, who has been offered unheard of numbers to join a rival club if he decides to pass on his player option to remain at Parramatta.

Moses joined the Eels midway through the 2017 season after he left the Wests Tigers, with the livewire playmaker starring for the Blues and Kangaroos last year in what was an otherwise frustrating season where injuries limited him to just eight club appearances.

It’s also a ringing endorsement for rookie coach Jason Ryles, who played a key role in convincing Moses that the future is bright.

Mitch Moses has signed a new deal to stay with the Eels until the end of the 2029 season. Picture: NRL Photos

“Mitch has been in consistently good form for many years now but none better than 2024. The way he performed in Origin last year was outstanding and proved that he belongs in that arena,” Eels general manager of football Mark O’Neill said.

“Being recently appointed captain continues the evolution of his development and is a very proud moment for him, his family and our club.

“Having a player of Mitch’s calibre commit the rest of his career to the Eels is fantastic news for his teammates, our partners, members and the entire Eels community.”

Attention will now turn to his halves partner who has until round 10 to activate his clause to stay, but Eels fans can rest easy knowing their new skipper is at least locked in that will allow the club to build around Moses.

Moses is coming off an incredible year at rep level but struggled for game time for the Eels due to injuries. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

“He’s a competitor and he wears his heart on his sleeve,” new recruit Zac Lomax said.

“He shows how emotional he can get sometimes, and that’s because he wants to win, and that’s what brings the best out of him.

“He showed in the State of Origin series just how important he is to a team, and he’s at the point now where he’s ready to take his game to the next level.

“He’s one of my really good mates, so I can’t wait to play on the same edge.”

Originally published as Mitchell Moses signs monster extension with the Eels, club now turns its focus to trying to keep Dylan Brown