Search

show me:

Eels expect Moses to stay put long-term

3 minute read

Parramatta coach Brad Arthur has no doubt halfback Mitchell Moses will stay at the NRL club, expecting him to knock back big interest from elsewhere.

Eels head coach BRAD ARTHUR.
Eels head coach BRAD ARTHUR. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Image

Mitch Moses is set to recommit to Parramatta with coach Brad Arthur expecting the halfback to reject big interest elsewhere and sign long-term with the Eels.

Moses remains one of the most crucial pieces of next year's halves jigsaw puzzle, looming as the most attraction option still on the market for 2022.

The 26-year-old has two weeks to activate an option in his favour to stay at Parramatta next season, as part of his current deal with the club.

But after attracting notable interest from Brisbane, it's expected he will sign long-term with the Eels on a deal that could keep him at the club until 2025.

Arthur said on Friday he was unsure when the deal would be done, but had no concerns about losing Moses to a rival.

"What I do know is that the club is desperate to keep him and Mitchell wants to stay," Arthur said.

"These things take a bit of time and hopefully gets sorted out soon.

"We want him at the club, he wants to be at the club he's worked hard to help us turn things around and he's big part of what we want to do moving forward."

Moses' signature will be crucial for the Eels.

The Broncos are yet to sort out their halves for next season, with Tom Dearden headed for North Queensland and Anthony Milford out of favour.

Adam Reynolds is also poised to leave South Sydney and is looking more and more likely to head to Cronulla, where Chad Townsend is leaving.

Sharks Shaun Johnson and Matt Moylan are also off contract while St George Illawarra and Gold Coast also have questions over next year's halves.

But even with big dollars offered elsewhere, Arthur indicated there was every chance Moses could take less money to stay at the Eels.

"I'm not too sure around the money situation part of it. And I'm sure there's plenty of people that are interested in Mitchell," Arthur said.

"But Mitchell enjoys being here, he wants to play good football, he feels like he can play good football here.

"You can just feel the difference when him and Gutho come in.

"He's put plenty of energy around the joint, he's part of our leadership group so he's integral part of our team moving forward."

If Moses does extend long-term, he will become just the fourth Eel locked in beyond next year.

But Arthur insisted there was no fear of a contract squeeze causing headaches.

"We definitely want to keep this squad together and we're working towards that," he said.

"I think the the luxury we have at the moment is we've provided a good environment for them and we've got a good club.

"They want to stay."

Think. Is this a bet you really want to place?

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au