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Eels lock in Moses as long-term No.7

3 minute read

Mitchell Moses has inked a new three-year deal with Parramatta that will keep him at the NRL club until age 30, while Ryan Matterson has also extended his stay.

MITCHELL MOSES
MITCHELL MOSES Picture: Mark Nolan/Getty Images

Mitchell Moses is the player Parramatta believe can end their premiership drought after his long-running contract saga ended with a new three-year deal.

On a big Friday for the Eels, Moses confirmed he would stay until the end of 2024 while Ryan Matterson also took up the option in his contract for next year.

Moses' re-signing effectively puts the faith in him to end the longest-running premiership drought in the NRL, which dates back to 1986.

Moses has already made the most appearances of any half in the club's history since Peter Sterling, with his 100th game in the blue-and-gold due later this year.

It ends a run where the club used 35 different halfbacks in the 25 seasons after Sterling's 1992 retirement, with Chris Sandow and Tim Smith's 71 games there the most of anyone.

But in Moses the Eels have found stability, with the Ryde junior set to be at the club until his 30th birthday in the middle of a clear premiership window.

"Every club wants to be playing and winning grand finals," coach Brad Arthur said.

"It's a tough position he plays, all the pressure falls on his shoulders win or lose.

"Especially at a big club like ours and we have had quite a few good halfbacks before Mitchell.

"I don't need to heap any more pressure on Mitch than is needed. But he is the halfback to take us forward."

Arthur was confident however that a more mature Moses is now better placed to deal with that pressure.

"He is maturing every year, every session and every game," Arthur said.

"His level of professionalism has grown, being accountable and being comfortable to hold others accountable.

"But he's got better at what he says he holds himself to account to as well. That helps with respect of your teammates."

His signature leaves Shaun Johnson as the only top-tier marquee half left on the market for next year, with both Cronulla and Canberra yet to fill their No.7 jersey.

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