Mitchell Moses set to stay at Parramatta in 'shattering' blow for Tigers

Mitchell Moses has reportedly decided where his future lies in the NRL and will re-sign with the Parramatta Eels. The Eels and Wests Tigers have been bidding for the star halfback's services, but the Sydney Morning Herald reported on Tuesday night that Moses will remain at Parramatta.

Leading NRL journalist Michael Chammas reported that Moses was “set to end months of speculation over his future and sign a new deal with Parramatta”, citing 'sources' close to Moses that he had “made up his mind and wants to stay at the Eels”. The Eels declined to comment on the claims, saying "an agreement had not been reached”.

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The Tigers reportedly offered Moses $1.3 million per season for four years, but Moses has settled for $1.25m at the Eels. If the reports prove to be accurate, Moses would join Ben Hunt, David Fifita, Kalyn Ponga and Daly Cherry-Evans as million-dollar men.

Discussing the reports on Tuesday night, Wendell Sailor said he believed Moses had made the right call. “At this stage of his career, he’s 28, 29, he doesn’t need to go back to the Tigers,” Sailor said. “(The Eels) are more of a chance (to win a premiership) but I don’t think they will."

Gus Worland said the news would be 'shattering' for the Tigers. “It’s great for the Eels, shattering for the Tigers fans who are trying to build something with Sheens, Farah and Benji," he said.

The news comes amid a busy time for Moses, who announced his engagement to partner Bri Gardoni earlier this week. Gardoni and Moses have a daughter together, with Moses making the difficult decision to play in the finals last year and miss the birth.

Luke Brooks desperate to reunite with Mitchell Moses

Speaking late last month, Tigers halfback Luke Brooks said he'd pulled out all the stops to try and get his former teammate back to Leichhardt. Moses and Brooks came into first grade together with the Tigers before Moses left to join the Eels in 2017.

"I've spoken to him a couple times and told him what the vibe was like and how much it has changed - I've been selling the place to him," Brooks said. "I'm not too sure what his thoughts are, but I think he'd be a great addition to our side and I'd love to play with him again.

"I think when we came in (to the NRL) we were very young. We sort of spoke before about how we would like to have a chance to play together again. Whether that's now or not, I don't know but hopefully he makes a decision soon, the one that's best for him."

The Tigers have recruited heavily in the off-season, bringing in David Klemmer from the Knights, Api Koroisau (Panthers), Isaiah Papali'i (Eels) and English forward John Bateman. When asked if the current set of Tigers forwards was the best he had played with through his 10-year stint with the club, Brooks said: "A hundred per cent. The guys like [Shawn Blore and Stefano Utoikamanu], you forget they kind of missed the whole of last year.

"They're looking strong and fit and then you've got Klemmer and then 'Ice' (Papali'i) and Bateman, who are strike players on each edge. Api will be in the middle and be able to bring them on to the ball and really get us going forward. Those guys in the pack plus all our young forwards who had a bit of a taste last year who will only benefit our side."

Unfortunately it looks like it hasn't been enough to get Moses across the line.

with AAP

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