Mitchell Moses’ injury-plagued season may not be over with Australia coach Mal Meninga reaching out to the Parramatta halfback over his availability for the Test series at the end of the season.
Moses ruptured his biceps while helping NSW clinch a memorable Origin series at Suncorp Stadium in July.
The injury ruled him out of the remainder of the Eels’ forgettable season, but Moses has continued training and will be fit when the Kangaroos play their first Test against Tonga on October 18.
The NRL will confirm their Pacific Championships schedule on Friday, with the Kangaroos to play against Tonga and New Zealand in Brisbane and Christchurch respectively, ahead of the November 10 final at Parramatta’s CommBank Stadium.
With uncertainty surrounding Nathan Cleary, and whether he will require end-of-season shoulder surgery – and with Cameron Munster all but certain to undergo double hip surgery – Meninga has spoken with Moses.
At the very least, Moses will get the chance to press his green-and-gold claims in a Prime Minister’s XIII game against Papua New Guinea, which will be held after the NRL grand final.
The clash with the Kumuls will fall about three months after Moses’ injury. Brisbane skipper Adam Reynolds returned from the same injury in 11 weeks this year.
“Mitch will be back from injury before we play the internationals,” Meninga told this masthead.
“He deserves an opportunity if he’s available. I’ve had a good yarn to him, he’ll keep training, and he’s certainly keen to play.
“The PM’s will happen after the grand final, so we’ll probably need a camp with the guys who aren’t playing [finals football].
“He killed it in Origin, he was very influential. He’s no certainty to debut, but I like Mitch’s maturity, he has a great kicking game, and I just think he’s a smart player.”
Should Moses feature for Australia, it means incoming Eels coach Jason Ryles will have to wait until after Christmas to work with his most-important player.
Daly Cherry-Evans is now 35 and has been the Australian vice-captain in the past. He is leading a finals-bound Sea Eagles team with aplomb in 2024.
Meninga knows he will need to carry a backup playmaker in his 21-man squad. North Queensland’s Tom Dearden and St George Illawarra skipper Ben Hunt are halfback options, although Hunt is likely to feature regardless, provided he stays fit, because of his utility value.
“We got beaten 30-0 last year in the final against New Zealand, and that’s not going to happen again,” Meninga said.
Replies
Fuck off Mal.
If I'm Moses I'm jumping in to rule myself out and pledging to be fully fit for Parramatta 2025. Considering how much footy he's missed for us it'd be very disappointing should he make himself available for a game that could extend his injury into the 2025 season.
As a Parra fan, I would agree 💯
But in Mosses shoes, with Cleary injured and DCE 35yrs, it would probably be his only opportunity to be a Kangaroo. That's something to look back on when he hangs up the boots.
If Moses returns before next season he needs his head read
Well Mals claiming Mitch has indicated he's training with aspirations to play rep footy at seasons end . So whether he's fit or not , we know where his heads at. Not a bad season for him, plays bugger all club footy, gets paid more than 99% of the population and bonus's and increases his value at the same time. Imagine taking your Mrs to the surgeon, spending 150k on getting her the best rig you can possibly buy only for her to take it out on the town and root everyone buy you. Thats ultimately what's happened with Mitch for us this year.
And then Eels fans will all sit back and say " yeah but at least she comes home to us and we might get to root her next year "
🤣🤣🤣🤣
fairplay wiz but an aussie jersey whats his chance with a fit cleary and munster .....
he does owe us two years with a lot of injury ....but not many get to go on a Kangaroo tour ......
tough one
Wiz sums it up well when he say's "if he is Moses"..... Wiz you could never be Moses, you are not smart enough or fast enough. Moses does have a degree Wiz, but you have what? a ticket to root him when he is playing for Parra?
Seeing that DB will be playing for NZ at the same time, you may get a ticket to root him as well. Unluckilly Guth won't be picked in any of these sides, so maybe you can just focus on him.....not original I know! but any port in a storm?
Yep sounds about right 🤣
Go for it Mitch. Its not often you get to claim an Austrailian Jersey. From an old school has been , just go for it Mitch. You deserve it, playing for your country must be the ultimate and is a massive feat. Thumbs up from this old cranky crusty eels supporter. 👍
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