State of Origin 3: Mitchell Moses on why he’s a polarising figure
Love him or hate him, NSW debutant Mitchell Moses is one of rugby league’s most discussed and dissected players.
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NSW halfback Mitch Moses has revealed why he has such a polarising personality, declaring: “I hate losing – I’ll do anything to win.”
Moses’ State of Origin selection attracted enormous debate through social media, the Eels star becoming one of rugby league’s most discussed and dissected players.
As recently as mid-June, Moses, in a Parramatta game against Wests Tigers, objected to an on-field decision from his skipper Clint Gutherson, yelling: “Gutho, quick, Gutho, f*** off.”
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Moses admitted he can “rub up” fans the wong way but gave reasons why he has become a player fans seem to either admire or dislike.
“I don’t know, it’s probably how I play the game. I’m a very passionate player,” Moses said.
“I hate losing, to be honest, and I think that shows in my footy and how it comes across on the field, I guess. (Because) I hate losing it can come across a bit different to some people.
“Sometimes, how I act on the field, like I said, it’s because I hate losing. I will do anything to win games. I can come across and rub (people) up a bit differently sometimes. That’s just how I play the game.
“I have always been a pretty loud person and very dominant on the field with how I talk.
“It’s probably the tone of voice you use and how I deliver it. That’s something Brad (Arthur) has helped me with a lot, and Joey (Johns) has also helped me in the last couple of years.
“It’s all about how you get the best out of your players and how to deliver it. Certain situations are obviously different and sometimes the game gets the better of you.
“It’s about knowing how to handle yourself in those situations.”
His uncle, former NSW star Ben Elias, said: “Mitch is very emotional. His competitive nature is phenomenal.”
Elias texted Moses when hearing of the Eels star’s call-up.
“He was pretty rapt,” Moses said. “He sent me a text letting me how proud he was of me to finally get a shot.”
Blues five-eighth Jack Wighton spoke about his new halves partner.
“It’s good to see Mitch get a shot. He is a very good organiser of the game and that will let me play my running role,” Wighton said. “He will take care of the rest, it will be fun.”
Moses was pencilled in as NSW halfback last Thursday.
Yet some felt a late missed penalty goal on Friday night — which would have given Parramatta a win over Penrith — may have cost him his spot.
“I don’t think it should be based around a goal kick,” Moses said. “It would have been good to kick the goal but it will be something I learn from and hopefully it doesn’t happen again.
“In the past, I probably wouldn’t have spoken to anyone for five days if that happened. You’ve just got to move on from those situations and learn from them.
“There is always a drive to get better. If you dwell on it too much, it can affect you. It would have been good to have kicked the goal but it didn’t happen so I will move on. I moved on from it right after the siren went.”
Moses will guide NSW around in Origin III as a historic clean sweep looms for Brad Fittler’s Blues.
The player he replaced, injured Nathan Cleary, will be in camp assisting and helping the new NSW No. 7.
“It’s exciting to look around the room and see all the quality, even the coaching staff, it’s pretty special,” Moses said.
“I will come in and do my job – I don’t think I have to change too much from what I do in club land. I will get the boys around the park, kick well and do the simple things.
“I will sit down with Freddy and ask how he wants me to play. Any advice Nathan has for me I will be full of listening.”
Moses and NSW are in Kingscliff preparing for Origin III.
Asked how he was told of his selection, Moses said: “I saw Freddie’s name come up on my phone and I started shaking a bit. He just asked whether I was ready to go. I said: ‘One-hundred per cent’.
“I have known for a while and we have a good relationship so I pretty rapt to see his name pop up on my phone. Origin is pretty special. It would be special to any player. It means a lot myself and my family.”
Wighton, Moses vouch for Vaughan
NSW star Jack Wighton has launched a spirited defence of under siege prop Paul Vaughan, saying: “Everyone mucks up in life here and there.”
And NSW teammate Mitch Moses claimed Vaughan’s contract termination was “tough.”
Vaughan had his St George Illawarra contract torn up after hosting a party for 12 Dragons teammates at his Shellharbour home on Saturday night.
Wighton, who has endured his own off-field issues, claimed Vaughan’s admission he had “mucked up” — on NRL 360 — was a positive move.
“He has a young family and he’s a good bloke, big ‘Vaughany’. It’s very sad to see what he’s going through,” said Wighton, NSW’s new five-eighth for Origin III on July 14.
“There was a bit of a ‘muck up’ – I have mucked up myself in the past.
“Hopefully he can bounce back and put himself back on the right track. That’s what it’s all about.
“Everybody mucks up in life here and there. It’s about what you do after it. Everyone is thinking of ‘big Paul’ and hopefully it all turns out all right for him.
“(Owning up) is the only way you can go about it. You muck up then you’ve got to own it and he’s already done that.
“I reckon that’s the right path to go down.”
Moses predicted Vaughan would be “all right.”
“It’s tough on any player that gets their contract ripped up,” Moses said. “It’s obviously upsetting.
“I’m sure he (Vaughan) is doing everything possible to get something else.
“It’s upsetting for him and he is going through a hard time at the moment. I’m sure he will be all right.”
Moses and Wighton will form a new look NSW halves combination after injuries forced regulars Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai from the dead rubber. It will be Moses’ NSW debut and Wighton’s first start at five-eighth.
Wighton’s form for a struggling Canberra side this season has been solid, the player aware of individual criticism.
“I’m one of those players, I give my best each week on and off the field. I try my best,” Wighton said. “You can’t control other people’s opinions and what they’re saying.
“Obviously things aren’t flowing too well down at Canberra and that is something we’ve got to try and change. It’s good for my confidence to be selected in this team in the five-eighth position.
“Many people might say my form isn’t up to what it usually is.”
Wighton will play his traditional running game in game three although is acutely aware he must give in-form centre Latrell Mitchell early ball.
“We have all seen what he’s done in the last few games and over the whole year at Souths,” Wighton said. “He is definitely a big weapon on our edge.
“We will be trying to get him as much ball as possible.
“To get a shot at five-eighth, and take that path next Wednesday, it’s great. I am always proud to represent NSW, it’s always an honour.”
Originally published as State of Origin 3: Mitchell Moses on why he’s a polarising figure
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