‘Can’t believe’: NRL world all say same thing about Mitchell Moses comeback
Mitchell Moses’ Eels comeback has breathed new life into Parramatta’s season but the NRL world has all called for the same thing.
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Just when it looked like the Eels were done in season 2024, the return of Mitchell Moses has breathed new life into Parramatta’s season.
Coming up against a top of the ladder Cronulla Sharks, the Eels looked unlike the team that had lost five straight and seven of their last eight, running away with a much-needed 34-22 win.
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The Eels will finish the round in 15th but with a sense of hope, despite likely needing to win nine of their last 12 to feature in the finals.
Parramatta also welcomed back captain Clint Gutherson but it was the return of Moses that appeared to ignite the Eels attack.
Moses has been sidelined since breaking his foot in round 3 but clearly hadn’t missed a beat, orchestrating just the Eels’ fourth win of the season.
With the Eels claiming six tries to four, Moses had nine runs for 82m, a try assist and a line break assist.
He also kicked 18 times for 600m, putting the Eels in good positions.
While his stats don’t seem like anything special, Parramatta was a different side.
The Channel 9 commentators were blown away by the performance.
“I go back to the very first kick of the game from Mitchell Moses — the way it came off the boot, the sound it made, how far it went,” Paul Gallen said. “I said ‘he’s on tonight’.
“I can’t believe the impact he’s had on this game.
“I did radio on the way out here and they asked me about him and I said Parramatta have been beaten through the middle, their forwards have been getting trounced week in, week out.
“Teams have been running through them. Mitchell Moses isn’t there to tackle or take hit ups.
“Well, didn’t he inspire them? I can’t believe the impact he’s had.
“I said earlier in the year I don’t know I would pay $1 million for Mitchell Moses but at this club he’s worth every cent.
“The confidence he gave everyone tonight was unbelievable. I honestly can’t believe the impact particularly on the forwards, the confidence and the kicking game was brilliant.”
Speaking post-game on Channel 9, Moses revealed he hadn’t really started kicking again until Monday this week.
But there was speculation that if he could get back on the field, he’d be in the NSW Blues No. 7 jersey for State of Origin game I.
Asked if there was a chance he could have come back a week early, Moses said he did everything he could.
“I tried two weeks earlier but it just didn’t pull up right,” Moses said. “I couldn’t go out on the field and let the boys down.
“I tried to come back early enough, I gave it every chance and tried my best but it didn’t come up right.”
And fans were blown away by the performance, calling for Moses to be parachuted into the Blues team with Nicho Hynes struggling with a calf injury.
WWOS’ The Mole tweeted: “PUT MOSES INTO ORIGIN!!!! Nicho will do his hammy at training tomorrow!!!”
Freelance sports reporter Luke Robinson suggested: “Not too late to get Moses into Blues camp for game 1! The best option they have.”
ABC Sports stats man Brad Tallon said: “Any chance Nicho is ruled out tomorrow and Moses brought in …”
Sport West member and partnerships manager Matt Bamford questioned: “Is there the option for Mitch Moses to be parachuted in for the @NSWBlues in the event that there’s an injury leading up to #Origin Game 1?”
Eels fan Jay Keegan wrote: “Amazing what an actual general at 7 can do to make a difference. Whole new team out there tonight.”
Another fan posted: “Is it too late to chuck Moses in for the Blues?”
Another commented: “Moses for Origin 2. You’re hearing it more and more.”
Moses’ fingerprints were all over Parramatta’s attack, which will have Blues coach Michael Maguire on notice should Hynes’ calf continue to cause grief.
“He’s our halfback for a reason,” skipper Clint Gutherson said.
“He’s probably one of the best halfbacks in the league at the moment. If you’re missing him then it’s a big loss. The confidence he brings to the team and to everyone at the club when he’s playing is a big thing.”
Moses wasn’t alone with Gutherson (245 metres) also making a strong return from injury, while halves partner Dylan Brown ran with freedom and sealed the win with a superb solo try to punish Cronulla’s first error after 68 minutes.
The loss is costly for the Sharks who will drop out of top spot on the NRL ladder and fall as far as third depending on if the Panthers can beat the Dragons on Saturday.
With Martin Gabor, NCA Newswire
Originally published as ‘Can’t believe’: NRL world all say same thing about Mitchell Moses comeback
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