Parramatta coach Brad Arthur has declared five-eighth Mitch Moses the main man following Corey Norman’s exit
With Corey Norman on his way to St George Illawarra, the responsibility to lead Parramatta’s attack next season falls to “hungry” five-eighth Mitch Moses.
Fresh off a strong off-season in the gym, Mitch Moses is ready to become the man at Parramatta following Corey Norman’s departure to St George Illawarra.
Norman is set to sign a three-year with the Dragons, leaving Moses to head up the Eels’ attack next year.
The Lebanon representative struggled for consistency last season, scoring only four tries in 22 appearances.
But Arthur said Moses had spent the off-season bulking up in a bid to avenge the forgettable season.
“Mitch is hungry,” Arthur said. “We all have to move past the disappointment of last year but it is still there in the background as a motivating and driving factor.
“You can see that in Mitch. He has added to the physical side of his game and has been doing up to two or three extra weights sessions a week.
“He has always run well but the added kilos will be good for him. He is also doing a few extra kicking sessions a week to improve.”
Arthur said Moses had also taken on a leadership role with the club’s rising halves such as Jaeman Salmon and Dylan Brown, which was all part of the playmaker becoming a more mature footballer.
“Mitch is now really comfortable in his role and delivering the message to the younger blokes,” he said. “He is taking a lot of time out to educate others.
“But you can’t take on that responsibility and guide other people if you don’t know what you are telling them. That is the key to it.
“When Mitch plays well he can do anything but that goes with our team.
“I thought we played some really good footy at times last year but we just lacked the consistency and being able to sustain it for long periods. That isn’t just Mitchell.”
Moses is off contract at the end of next year and faces significant pressure to secure his long-term future.
However, Arthur refused to single out his halfback from other key players who are coming off contract, including Clint Gutherson and Bevan French.
Gutherson could partner Moses in the halves following Norman’s exit, which would allow French to shift from the wing to fullback.
Arthur is also in the final season of his deal at the Eels.
“So this season is a chance for all of us to prove ourselves,” Arthur said.
“There are a lot of us in the same boat, staff and players alike.
“We all have to come together and if the boys can come together as a team and perform well it makes my life easier.
“If we can also coach well as a collective staff, then everyone will get their rewards, whether it is contract extensions or rep football.
“But if we don’t look good as a team, then it doesn’t help the individual either.
“Maybe we took last year for granted after having a few external motivations in 2016 and 2017.
“We are certainly not sweeping it under the carpet. It wasn’t good enough.
“But we’ve dealt with it and now we need to move forward and make sure we don’t make the same mistakes.”
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