Battle of the Mitchells descends on Sydney’s west

Parramatta’s Mitchell Moses is ready to turn the table on Newcastle playmaker Mitchell Pearce as the Eels look to keep their top four aspirations alive against the Knights.

Mitchell Moses has a point to prove against the Knights. Picture: Mark Kolbe

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Parramatta halfback Mitchell Moses has put Mitchell Pearce on notice as the Eels plot to avenge the Newcastle nightmare from round seven.

After five straight losses, Pearce put on a masterclass the last time these sides met, leading Newcastle to a 28-14 victory in a stunning form reversal.

To add insult to injury, the Knights No.7 jinked and stepped his way to the line and scored the match-winning try.

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Mitchell Moses has a point to prove against the Knights. Picture: Mark Kolbe

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But when the halfbacks descend on Bankwest Stadium on Saturday night, Moses wants to be the one who lands the killer blow.

“You always want to put it over your opposition number. It’s nothing personal against Mitch that’s just want you want every time you go out onto the field. I want to win. If you’re playing rugby league you’re a competitive person and that’s how it should be,” Moses said.

The Eels finished last in 2018 winning only six games over the course of the entire year.

Moses, 24, and his then halves partner Corey Norman copped plenty of criticism over the wooden spoon season.

Mitchell Pearce starred the last time the two sides met. Picture: Darren Pateman

It put a serious strain on Moses’ relationship with coach Brad Arthur and there was even speculation the western Sydney club wanted to offload the young playmaker.

But Moses told The Daily Telegraph any differences between he and the coach are a thing of the past.

“It’s been a lot different, it’s been a lot better. Brad and I have that relationship where we can have the discussions, the tough conversations that other players don’t have with their coach,” he said.

“He has been really open with me, and I’ve been open with him. I feel like we have a good relationship and I think it’s only been better for the team that our relationship has been strong.”

Coach Brad Arthur has simplified his game plan in 2019. Picture: Brett Costello

Parramatta are currently sitting in 6th spot on the NRL ladder, a far cry from the position they were in at the same time last year.

Moses revealed that Arthur has changed tact this season and his new more ‘simple’ approach is the reason the Eels are heading for finals football in September.

“Brad has been really good in that he has given us from 1-17 exactly what we need to do and what he needs from each player. He’s given everyone strict instruction on what he needs in each game from them,” he said.

“He has really grown as a coach and he’s found a way to get the best out of every player this year. We haven’t had our best 17 on the field over the last couple of weeks but whoever is coming in is doing a great job.”

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Desperate to improve after a disappointing 2018, Moses gave up an off-season holiday to Las Vegas instead returning to training early to work on his game.

It’s a decision that has not only led to him playing some of his best football in Eels colours to date, it also helped land a three-year $2.5 million extension with the club in June 2019.

“My game was a bit all over the shop last year. Even at the start of the year it wasn’t where I wanted it to be. But I’m realising what Parramatta needs from me and what kind of footy they need me to play if we are to win games. That is to guide the boys around, finishing sets off well and taking the line on,” Moses said.

Originally published as Battle of the Mitchells descends on Sydney’s west