Mitchell Moses turns down Wests Tigers offer, asks for release to join Parramatta

WESTS Tigers five-eighth Mitchell Moses has quit the club — and star teammate James Tedesco could be joining him in the exit queue.

WESTS Tigers five-eighth Mitchell Moses has quit the club — and star teammate James Tedesco could be joining him in the exit queue.

On the day Moses shocked Wests Tigers by joining Parramatta, The Daily Telegraph can reveal Sydney Roosters have dramatically re-ignited their interest in off-contract Tedesco.

And the Roosters could offer Tedesco a five-year, $6 million deal.

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Moses’ original offer from Wests Tigers, formally tabled last Friday and worth $3 million over three years, was reviewed — not withdrawn — after surprised NRL clubs were told of the proposed salary cap for next season, which was considerably less than what had been expected.

After emails and phone calls were exchanged on Wednesday morning, Isaac Moses, manager of Mitchell, sought an immediate release for his client.

The request took Wests Tigers by surprise and is expected to be denied.

Mitchell Moses is expected to play out this season at Concord before joining Parramatta — where he will partner Corey Norman at the scrum-base — on a three-year deal worth $2.2 million.

And the money saved by Wests Tigers can be now thrown at Tedesco, who has officially become a priority, along with skipper Aaron Woods.

Has Mitchell Moses knocked down the “Big Four”? (AAP Image/Paul Miller)

Aware the Sydney Roosters are again circling, the Tigers can now throw mega-bucks at Tedesco. The Tigers know they will need plenty of cash if forced into a bidding war with the Roosters over Tedesco.

The Daily Telegraph understands the Roosters and Tedesco’s manager, Isaac Moses, have been in official contact and a meeting between the two parties has been convened.

Roosters officials and Tedesco, 24, had spoken late last year before discussions ground to a halt when the Blues fullback indicated he wanted to remain at Concord.

It can be revealed the Roosters were ready to lodge a $6 million deal over five years at the time.

Moses’ revised offer from Wests Tigers was said to be around $300,000 less than the original offer.

New Tigers coach Ivan Cleary supported Moses’ re-assessed offer.

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Should Wests Tigers suddenly grant Moses a release, his frst game for Parramatta would ironically be against Wests Tigers at ANZ Stadium on Easter Monday.

Earlier this year, it was revealed Roosters chairman Nick Politis would not deal with Isaac Moses after Mitchell Moses agreed to join the Roosters last year, only to backflip.

That decision angered Politis, who is still reluctant to negotiate with any players managed by Moses.

Roosters coach Trent Robinson however has made contact with the Tedesco camp and while no offer has been lodged, dialogue between the two parties is on-going.

Wests Tigers have offered Tedesco a four-year deal worth about $4.5 million.

Will Tedesco be next to turn down the Tigers? Photo: Gregg Porteous

There are third parties involved in the Roosters’ bid to wrestle Tedesco from Concord to Bondi. It is also understood other clubs are privately pursing Tedesco, a clear favourite to retain his NSW fullback spot for this year.

The Roosters development comes after The Daily Telegraph last week revealed St George Illawarra head of rugby league pathways, Ian Millward, has also made contact with Tedesco. And Canterbury has also been touted as harbouring a strong desire to open talks with Tedesco.

Robinson and The Daily Telegraph exchanged text messages but the Roosters coach said he “wouldn’t talk about recruitment’’.

“I can’t help out,” Robinson texted.

Tedesco has always expressed a desire to remain at Wests Tigers. Those close to him at the club claim Tedesco is still likely to remain but the Roosters present a real threat to Wests Tigers.

It is understood halfback Luke Brooks has already agreed to a new two-year retention deal worth around $550,000 a season - but the club wouldn’t confirm or deny the contract. Woods is considering a three-year offer from Wests Tigers.

The Fab Four, though, has officially split.

Canterbury is said to be circling the four players but Cooper Cronk’s sudden appearance on the NRL open market has forced some clubs to quickly alter their recruitment plans. There is talk Canterbury may be looking to shop around fullback Will Hopoate. That move could leave the door ajar for the Bulldogs to have a red-hot crack at Tedesco.

Wests Tigers leave for Townsville on Friday to prepare for Saturday night’s big match against North Queensland, Cleary’s first in charge