Mitchell Moses at centre of fan calls ahead of crucial Origin decision
The Parramatta Eels halfback has turned in some impressive displays in recent weeks, and fans have started to take notice.
Parramatta Eels star Mitchell Moses has catapulted himself into the State of Origin conversation for NSW, with a stellar first half performance against Canterbury. Eels co-captain Clint Gutherson's first half hat-trick was equally attention-grabbing, but Moses' display his piqued the interest of Blues fans ahead of the do-or-die game two in Queensland.
Amid an ever-growing injury crisis for the Blues, Moses looms large as a dark horse to slot into the vacant halfback position. The likes of Nicho Hynes and Adam Reynolds have also been in consideration.
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However it was Moses who put his best foot forward in the King's Birthday clash against the Bulldogs - to such an extent that Fox League commentator Warren Smith declared Blues coach Brad Fittler should 'give him the jersey now'. It comes as Queensland named their side on Monday, with Gold Coast prop Moeaki Fotuaika, Melbourne winger Xavier Coates and North Queensland second-rower Jeremiah Nanai all earning re-calls for the Maroons.
Moses nearly made it four first-half tries for the Eels as he charged down a kick from Matt Burton, but he was ruled offside. Nevertheless, Parramatta held a 24-6 advantage at the break. The 28-year-old's case could be bolstered after Hynes, who struggled coming off the bench in game one, appears to have hit an ill-timed run of poor form.
It would mark just his second Origin appearance, having playing one game in the 2021 series. Meanwhile, fans on social media were also impressed with what they were seeing from Moses.
Mitchell Moses is completely playing himself into a Blues jersey.
And if there was any doubt, Tevita Pangai Junior is completely playing himself out of one. #NRLBulldogsEels— Lachlan Jeffery (@LachlanJeffery) June 12, 2023
Mitch Moses showing how to put your hand up for an origin jersey.
— Buzz (@Buzz7_) June 12, 2023
Mitchell Moses is on 🔥 the Dogs can't defend him. Brad Fittler better be watching this game.
— Judas (@jiutasaC) June 12, 2023
So Mitchell Moses for Origin after this performance from hynes today. #NRLStormSharks
— gemma rogers (@gemma92rogers) June 11, 2023
I'm not mitch moses biggest fan but he is 💯 showing how to audition for an origin Jersey #nsw #nrlbulldogseels
— Delmar Pape (@DelmarPape) June 12, 2023
If mitch moses doesnt get picked fittler better get sacked
— Mooz 912 (@Moozsama) June 12, 2023
Nicho Hynes' club form cause for Origin concern
Hynes was well below his best in the Sharks' loss to Brisbane and saved his worst for when he desperately needed his best as Melbourne lapped his team 54-10 on Sunday. It's hardly the form you need from your No.7 heading into a must-win Origin game at Suncorp Stadium.
They say sport is all about timing and Hynes' introduction to Origin football was unfortunate. Thrust into the unfamiliar right centre position late in game one after Tom Trbojevic was forced off due to concussion, the Cronulla playmaker missed a tackle that led to the game-changing try.
Seasoned Origin operators say they have seen few players more down on themselves after a loss than Hynes. He appears to have carried those mental scars back to club footy, guilty of overplaying his hand and trying too hard as the Sharks struggle to shake off a dramatic drop in form.
Hynes' time in Origin will come again – now is not that time.
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