Mitchell Moses’ ‘flop’ called out as damning Origin reality becomes clear

Parramatta Eels star Mitchell Moses would have been a lock in the NSW Blues side for many, but after Thursday night’s match that is no longer the case.

Mitchell Moses had a night to forget as the Eels were beaten by the languishing Dolphins 20-16 on Thursday night, as Parramatta remained rock bottom on the NRL ladder with a dismal 2-7 record in 2025.

Thursday night’s clash was set to be where Moses showed why he simply must retain his Blues Origin jersey even if it means superstar Nathan Cleary misses out.

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The 30-year-old is one of the incumbents alongside Jarome Luai but had only played two games this season due to a foot injury before this week’s match.

Cleary missed last year’s 2-1 series win through injury allowing Moses to make his mark on the game’s biggest stage and his performances made many feel it is his spot to lose.

And while Moses was instrumental in Parramatta’s win over the Tigers last month, before being decent in a narrow loss to the Sharks, he had an off night against the Dolphins.

Moses struggled to put his stamp on the game and the halfback seemed more inclined to argue with referee Wyatt Raymond than focus on the task at hand.

In the first half, Moses challenged a 20m restart after claiming he was taken out, reviewing the referee’s decision.

However, footage showed Dolphins defender Tom Gilbert didn’t change his line and instead, the Eels halfback ran into the back of him before throwing himself on the ground.

You can watch Mitch Moses’ flop in the player above.

Mitch Moses had a night to forget. Image: Getty/Kayo

Moses protested immediately and even once the bunker stuck with the on-field decision he continued to complain.

However, he was the only one who felt it was a penalty, with commentator Andrew Voss criticising Moses for burning a challenge.

“Well that’s a challenge burnt, I support the decision (of the ref) 100 per cent,” Voss said.

“That could come back to bite Parramatta later in the game.”

Moses’ complaints didn’t stop there though as he was again left fuming at the ref after J’maine Hopgood was penalised for a second-half crusher tackle.

However, despite his pleas, it once again fell on deaf ears.

And if that wasn’t bad enough his defensive fragilities were again exposed as Herbie Farnworth ran straight over him to score a try that put the Dolphins in a commanding position.

Many feel Mitchell Moses played himself out of an Origin spot. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

On the opposite end of things, in attack, Moses also offered very little as it was instead his halves partner Dylan Brown who took control of Parramatta’s comeback that ultimately fell just short.

After the match, fans called for Laurie Daley to snub him for Origin this year after what was a horror showing.

“Mitch Moses loves to flop, doesn’t he? Gonna get eaten alive in Origin if he keeps it up,” one fan wrote on X after Moses burned the captain’s challenge.

“Moses isn’t playing Origin his worst performance since returning,” a second wrote.

“Nothing like Mitch Moses whining all game to the ref and having a performance not worthy of an origin position,” a third added.

While a fourth said: “Yup, Moses just lost his Origin spot”

Originally published as Mitchell Moses’ ‘flop’ called out as damning Origin reality becomes clear