Mitchell Moses rubbed out of the NRL for six weeks with a foot injury: How it impacts Eels, Dylan Brown

With Mitchell Moses facing over a month on the sidelines, it spells further trouble for the Eels in their pursuit to retain Dylan Brown, who now has the chance to ignite even more interest as Parramatta’s chief playmaker.

Dylan Brown has the next six weeks to show the rugby league world he’s worth $1.3 million per-year following the shattering loss to injury of Eels captain Mitchell Moses.

Parramatta fans have been left crushed by the revelation that Moses will miss the start of the NRL season against the Storm on Sunday and that their star halfback may not be available until round six due to ongoing issues with his left foot. 

So significant is the loss of Moses that the TAB have reacted immediately by replacing the Dragons with the Eels as wooden-spoon favourites for the first time since 2018.

Parramatta have tightened from $9 into $6, with St George Illawarra second-favourites at $6.50.

Consistent pain over the past fortnight in the same foot that he fractured almost 12-months ago, which required the insertion of a screw, led Moses to undergo a series of medical scans and appointments this week.

After a number of differing opinions and the need to seek independent medical advice, the decision has been made to sideline Moses for the next six weeks.

Mitchell Moses will miss the first six weeks of the 2025 NRL season. Picture: Getty Images

The 30-year-old, who only last week extended his future at the club until the end of 2029, will wear a moon boot over the next month in a bid to aid his recovery and take pressure off the injury and to an area of the body where poor blood supply prolongs the rehabilitation phase.

“Mitch has had a stress reaction in his left foot,’’ Eels GM of football Mark O’Neill said via a statement to the press and club members.

“We have sought independent and expert medical opinions and following this advice Mitch will be in a boot for a few weeks and is expected to miss six weeks of football.”

Mitch Moses is expected to miss 6 weeks after scans revealed a bone stress reaction in his foot (via @DaveRic1).

Stress reaction is effectively a deep bone bruise - if not managed well can easily develop into a stress fracture. Poor blood supply to this bone so needs caution. pic.twitter.com/7p0KVvLC21

— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) March 6, 2025

The loss of Moses is a devastating blow for rookie Eels coach Jason Ryles, particularly ahead of a daunting road trip to AAMI Park to face premiership heavyweights Melbourne on Sunday afternoon.

Ryles spoke without hysteria or panic when asked about the seismic loss of Moses.

“At the end of the day, it’s another opportunity for someone else to come in,‘’ Ryles said.

“Obviously he’s a pretty important part of our team and our footy club, but when someone misses out, someone gets an opportunity and Ronnie (Volkman) is the guy this week.‘’

The Eels’ trip to Melbourne just became a whole lot more challenging. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Asked about the fact that almost no expert, bookmaker or pundit give the Eels a chance to beat the Storm, Ryles replied: “We’re focused on our performance, regardless of where we’re playing, or who we’re playing.

“Storm will be a good test.

“Our biggest focus is on starting the year strong.

“We can’t control what people think, but what we can control is what we do every day and that’s what we’ll focus on.‘’

Ryles said Brown’s responsibilities would obviously increase without Moses.

“Dylan is an experienced player for us. But as long as he does his job well, that’s all we’re looking for,‘’ Ryles said.

“Obviously his contributions are going to go up a bit, now that Mitch isn’t there, but all we’re after is him doing his best in regards to what he needs to do on the field.‘’

Moses, the club captain and chief playmaker with the best kicking game in the NRL in the eyes of many, missed 10-weeks following foot surgery last season, which effectively ended the Eels season and long-serving coach Brad Arthur’s tenure at the club.

In the background and keeping a close eye on Moses’ recovery will be NSW State of Origin coach Laurie Daley, who will be hopeful that the Blues halfback incumbent can return in round six, which would provide him with five games prior to game one of the 2025 Origin series.

While heavily impacting the Eels fortunes, there is also a case of perfect timing for Brown.

Dylan Brown has to step up for Parramatta in the absence of Moses. Picture: Justin Lloyd

The 24-year-old will take the reins for the Eels at a time when he is weighing-up his future at Parramatta, due to a clause in his contract that allows him to leave at the end of this season.

The Knights are attempting to lure Brown, 24, by making him the highest paid player in the history of the game with an offer of $1.3 million to play halfback over the next 10 seasons.

Brown’s preference is to stay with the blue and gold, on a deal that doesn’t go past $1 million per-season.

However, such is the magnitude of the Knights long-term pitch, it’s a deal that he will struggle to knock back.

Ronald Volkman will play in the halves while Moses is sidelined. Picture: Parramatta Eels

What’s interesting is the timing of Moses’ injury and that suddenly Brown will be required to step out of the shadows of his captain to become the main man to steer the Eels.

With back-up half Dean Hawkins injured, rookie half Ronald Volkman will partner Brown against the Storm. Brown and Volkman combined with promise in the Eels comfortable pre-season trial match victory against the Knights last month.

What is also possible, is that Brown suddenly has a major opportunity to ignite interest from rival clubs that may have been apprehensive to sign him as their chief playmaker.

If Brown can stand-up for the Eels during the next six weeks, the Kiwi-born talent may have more interest than just Newcastle.