NRL 2021: Mitchell Moses jumps to defence of Luke Brooks following scathing criticism

Wests Tigers halfback Luke Brooks has been in the firing line in 2021 following a succession of lacklustre performances.

Moses and Brooks. Pictures - Chris Pavlich for The Daily Telegraph

Parramatta halfback Mitchell Moses has jumped to the defence of Wests Tigers opposite Luke Brooks labelling the criticism of his former teammate as “unfair”.

Brooks has been in the firing line as the Tigers struggled in their opening two games.

He bounced back to help his side snap their losing streak to beat Newcastle last week but the chatter around Brooks’ future remains despite the Tigers publicly backing him.

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Foxtel ambassador Moses rose through the Tigers junior ranks playing alongside Brooks and ahead of their annual Easter Monday clash has publicly supported his close friend.

Mitchell Moses comes up against his former teammate Luke Brooks. Picture: Chris Pavlich

“It’s a bit harsh on Brooksy,” Moses said. “It’s not just him in the team. He is the halfback and takes the brunt of the criticism and that’s part of the position. But it’s been pretty unfair the criticism he has been copping. I was happy to see him play so good last week. He really took control and got them the win.

“I’m biased behind Brooksy. He is one of my best mates.”

Brooks won the Dally M halfback of the year award in 2018 and Moses took the honours the following season. The Parramatta halfback has a great record against his former club dropping just one in seven matches since joining the Eels midway through 2017.

Mitchell Moses and the Eels are flying high. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

He said he loves coming up against Brooks.

“You don’t want to see your mate get crushed,” Moses said. “I’m just happy he basically won the game for them last week. He took control and the footy he played was outstanding. It shows when everyone is getting on the back of Brooksy they are a tough team to beat. Hopefully he doesn’t get one up on me this week.”

Moses has been cleared to play after coming from the field in Parramatta’s last-start win against Cronulla because of a concussion.

While Moses’ high profile switch from the Tigers ignited the rivalry between the two clubs, that has only been added to in recent years following the respective defections of Ryan Matterson and Stefano Utoikamanu.

Mitchell Moses is looking forward to facing his former team. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

“It’s always a decent clash,” Moses said. “They will come out very hard in the first half and mixed with a lot of emotion. You get the big crowd and it’s always a special game. We have to go set for set with them and take the sting out of the game.

“(Utoikamanu) is a big boy. We loved having him. It’s good to see him playing good footy. Hopefully he doesn’t turn in one of those performances on Monday.”

Mitchell Moses is a Foxtel ambassador.

Originally published as NRL 2021: Mitchell Moses jumps to defence of Luke Brooks following scathing criticism