NRL 2024: Mitchell Moses ruled out for season after Origin heroics, Jason Ryles cleared to join Parramatta Eels early
NSW hero Mitchell Moses is “upset” he won’t be able to help save Parramatta from a possible wooden spoon after being ruled out for the season, but the early arrival of Jason Ryles at the club could prove crucial.
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Mitchell Moses flew back to Sydney with his arm in a sling, his season over and a slice of State of Origin history in his back pocket.
Moses’ year came to a close on a remarkable note at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night, leaving NSW legend Andrew Johns among those hailing his contribution to a stunning Blues’ win in the series decider.
Moses, a representative whipping boy at times in his career, led the Blues to victory but paid a hefty price when he tore his bicep in the dying embers of Origin III.
Surgery is imminent and the joy of victory was tempered by the knowledge that he won’t be able to help Parramatta finish the season on a positive note.
Asked whether it was worth it, Moses replied: “I am a bit upset as well, especially with how we are going at Parramatta.
“To leave them dry like that … it is tough. It is great that we have won but it is tough that I am going to leave them hanging dry.”
Moses missed Origin I but it was no coincidence that they won the two games after he returned from injury. His kicking game was crucial but the moment that defined his series came late on Wednesday night as he speared through two defenders and beat Reece Walsh to score.
Origin was over there and then. Johns hailed that moment afterwards.
“He was the general, his kicking game was great, he drove them and then with the game on the line, bang,” Johns said.
“I have worked with him and helped him along. I am so happy for him. Special. That try, we will talk about that moment in hundreds of years time.”
Johns, one of the greatest halfbacks in the game’s history, may have been a tad hyperbolic but Moses’ moment was no doubt significant given the situation and the location.
The Blues have had little joy at Suncorp Stadium but they had plenty on Wednesday night and Moses was in the thick of it.
“It all happened pretty quick,” Moses said.
“We probably should have had a few points in the first half but I think what we did defensively and how aggressive we played, we set it up in the second half to be able to put on the points we did.
“It was a massive team performance. Jarome (Luai) came up with some big plays. Defensively we wanted to come in with a defence-first attitude and they came away with no tries.
For all the talk about his try, Moses’ defence was just as eye-catching. It has been a maligned side of his game at times but he came up with some big moments on the biggest stage, none bigger than when he ran down Walsh as he threatened to go the length of the field.
Moments before that tackle, Moses looked to be limping. Then he was doubled over in pain after copping a blow to the stomach.
“I got winded that bad,” Moses said.
“I just needed a breather to get my breath back. You have to do it. I was in the position there. I needed to make the tackle. I am lucky it came off.
“It is just that mentality – you don’t want to let the boys down either side of you. That is just how it is.”
Moses has now joined a select few halves – Johns is among them – to have orchestrated a series win at Suncorp Stadium.
“It is a massive one to come up there in a decider, come up with a win,” Moses said.
“It is unbelievable. It is a big privilege to be with those names.”
RYLES JOINS EELS EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY
Parramatta’s bid to avoid the wooden spoon has received a significant boost after the Melbourne Storm agreed to release Jason Ryles from his contract to join the Eels.
Ryles will finish the week in Melbourne and then divert his entire focus to reviving Parramatta, having earlier been appointed to become their head coach from next season.
While Trent Barrett will be given the opportunity to finish the season as interim coach at Parramatta, Ryles will take a more prominent role in reshaping their playing squad and retaining the Talagi brothers – Blaize and Ryda.
Blaize is off contract at the end of the season after declining to take up an option in his contract while Ryda – named in the Australian schoolboys side last week – has reportedly been in talks with Penrith.
Both are viewed as vital components of the club rebuild which will begin in earnest when Ryles arrives in coming days. As well as retaining the Talagi brothers, he is expected to oversee the departure of some squad members.
Ryan Matterson and Maika Sivo have already been told they are free to leave if they can find deals elsewhere.
“On behalf of everyone at the Melbourne Storm, we congratulate Jason on his appointment to senior coach at the Eels,” Storm chief executive Justin Rodski said.
“Given the significance of this opportunity for Jason, we have agreed an early release is in the best interest of both parties.
“Jason returned to Storm for the 2024 season, and although only back at the club for a short time, he has had an immediate positive impact on our players, football department and broader club.”
“Jason is a quality person and coach, we thank him for his contribution in 2024 and wish him, his wife Alana and his family all the best for the future.”
Ryles returned to the Storm last year, having turned down the opportunity to take over as head coach at St George Illawarra.
His return to Melbourne, where he had played and previously been an assistant, was expected to be a precursor to him taking over as head coach when Craig Bellamy eventually decided to step aside.
Bellamy, who has a rolling contract at the Storm, elected to continue as head coach next season and Ryles decided the opportunity to take over at Parramatta was too good to refuse, having beaten Cronulla and Queensland assistant Josh Hannay to the role.
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Originally published as NRL 2024: Mitchell Moses ruled out for season after Origin heroics, Jason Ryles cleared to join Parramatta Eels early
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