Nathan Brown says he will protect Mitchell Moses from Storm attack
If Melbourne Storm really are planning to target Parramatta playmaker Mitchell Moses on Saturday night, they will have to get past Eels lock Nathan Brown first.
Eels
Don't miss out on the headlines from Eels. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Parramatta lock Nathan Brown has warned Melbourne against targeting star halfback Mitchell Moses, declaring: “I'll be looking after him”.
On the eve of his blockbuster AAMI Park showdown, Brown has told The Daily Telegraph he will be riding shotgun for Moses against Storm — vowing to protect the livewire No.7 who not only leads the NRL in try assists and kick metres, but completely destroyed Brisbane in week one of the playoffs.
Earlier this week, Melbourne skipper Cameron Smith suggested Moses would be a marked man in the elimination match.
Stream every match of the 2019 NRL Telstra Premiership Finals Series before the Grand Final Live & On-Demand on KAYO SPORTS. Get your 14 day free trial and start streaming instantly >
The NRL heavyweights have also been forced to spend the past two months defending their contentious defensive tactics, with South Sydney GM Shane Richardson among the club’s most vocal critics.
And now in Saturday night’s final it seems the crosshairs will be turned to 85kg Moses.
The starring Eels halfback who against Brisbane last start scored two tries, orchestrated two more and essentially had a hand every part of the 58-zip demolition.
LISTEN! Matty, Finchy and Kenty address “Pokies-gate” and the Broncos self-combustion, Joey Leilua’s fireworks mishap, and how Wayne Bennett and Des Hasler know exactly how to get the best out of their individuals. PLUS, the Roosters had a sleepover at the SCG?!
Told Melbourne considered Moses a target, Brown said: “I'm sure Melbourne will have a few tactics up their sleeve. Some sort of game plan. But I'll look after my buddy.
“And as a forward, that's my job. Especially if they’re wanting to pick on our little halfback.
“Mitch has been in wonderful form for us this year. Awesome. And that's a real credit to him.
“He’s worked so hard on his game, has been so consistent and is now really shining at finals time. I’m so happy for him.”
When asked about Moses this week, Smith suggested the Eels No.7 was undeniably their “go-to man”.
“He had a hand in nearly all of their tries,” the Storm No.9 said of the Broncos rout. “And a lot of the good stuff happened because of him or around him.
“So he will certainly come down with a lot of confidence; he’s one of a lot of dangerous attackers in their footy side but he will be touching the footy a fair bit so we will have a look at him.”
The last time these two sides met, way back in Magic Round at Suncorp Stadium, Moses and his Eels were thumped 64-10 by Storm.
According to the Fox Sports Lab, the halfback missed seven tackles and also ran the Steeden just three times, for nine metres.
However on a night when the Eels scored only two tries, Moses also had a hand in as many try assists. He is also a far bigger threat now — as are his Eels.
MORE NEWS
Griffin: Where Eels, Storm will be won and lost
Brisbane eye Eel to solve playmaking crisis
Better, Brown suggested the Parramatta players had been buoyed by their win over the Broncos.
“It was awesome game to be part of,” he said. “We kept playing for the entire 80 minutes too which was really pleasing. So now, we just need to focus on ourselves.
“These big games are why you train all year. Why you play.
“We've now got a great opportunity to get down to Melbourne, show where we're at as a side and make our mark.”
Originally published as Nathan Brown says he will protect Mitchell Moses from Storm attack