By Billie Eder
After eight years at the helm, Mitchell Moses and Clint Gutherson’s time together at Parramatta has finally come to a close.
With Gutherson inking a three-year deal with the Dragons and Moses staying on as part of the Jason Ryles revolution, the Eels’ halfback said he was sad and excited for what the 2025 season has to offer.
Kangaroos halfback Mitchell Moses.Credit: NRL Photos
“It’s really tough. He’s one of my best mates, and it’s sad,” Moses said, following the Kangaroos’ Pacific Championship victory against Tonga.
“It’s sad to see how it happened (Gutherson’s move) and how it ended, but it is what it is. It’s rugby league, and I think he understands that. Everyone understands it, and it’s hard – you don’t want it to be true, but I’m going to miss playing with him.
“I’ve come through at Parra and we’ve been playing together for the last eight years, so it’s going to be different, but I’m so happy for him as well – he’s got a great deal up there and he’ll be really good for the Dragons, and I wish him all the best.”
Moses said he had spoken to Gutherson most days, despite being in Kangaroos camp, and said the former Eels skipper knows it’s just part of the business.
“Footy is a business, and if it’s not working, if something needs change, that’s just how it is and sometimes players that you don’t think are going to leave, it happens,” Moses said.
“He (Gutherson) understands, the club understands – I think everyone understands, really. It’s sad to see, don’t want it to be true, but it’s happened so we’ve got to move on.”
The Kangaroos’ victory caps off a mixed year for Moses, which included an Origin series win, a bicep injury and foot injury that saw him play just eight games for the Eels this season, and Parramatta narrowly avoiding the wooden spoon.
Mitchel Moses celebrated an Origin series win with his daughter Aspyn and a ruptured biceps.Credit: Getty Images
Moses described 2024 as a tough year.
“I had the highs of Origin, highs of this (the Kangaroos), highs of rep footy really, but club footy not too well. Got a whole change of scenery there going back there, so I’m really excited to get back there and go to work,” he said.
“I’m not too sure [what next year looks like]. Obviously, excited to get back into training, so I’ll have a couple of weeks off. I haven’t played too much footy this year, but it’s been a long season, just for myself with injuries, and it’s been a bit draining, to be honest.”
“From players 18 to 30 it’s a whole new squad. Even our starting squad will look completely different. We’ve added some great additions, hopefully we can add some more. I’m excited for the future and I think under Rylesy we will be alright, and I think if everyone comes in with the right attitude, comes into training, hopefully we’re in for a good year.”
With Gutherson leaving the club, the Eels’ captaincy is up for grabs.
Moses has previously said he would be open to taking on the role, but was evasive when asked if he wanted the responsibility: “We will see what happens,” he said.
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