Parramatta will have to wait at least another week to get Mitchell Moses after the West Tigers blocked his release on Tuesday.
The Eels want their new signing as soon as possible after he signed a three-year deal, but at this stage the Tigers are refusing to grant the five-eighth an early release.
Moses completed a pool recovery and video session with the Tigers on Tuesday but did not address the playing group as uncertainty over his future enters another week.
The Tigers are refusing to let Moses go without a fight and are playing hard ball with Parramatta over their negotiations for the 22-year-old.
It is believed the Tigers are not willing to grant Moses an immediate release to join the Eels unless they are given compensation.
But his Tigers teammates remain none the wiser on the situation, having last heard from Moses on his playing future nine days ago.
"It's all up in the air at the moment," Tigers forward Sauaso Sue said.
"He spoke to us before the Cowboys game and let us know what's happening and that's what has been said. But not since then.
"I want him to stay and he's here at training today so I'm expecting him to stay this week."
A day after telling the media he "wouldn't have a clue" what was happening with his contract, wantaway Moses arrived early at the Tigers headquarters at Concord before joining the team at an off-site recovery session.
He didn't speak to the media upon leaving later.
Moses' three-year deal from next season with Parramatta is yet to be announced.
Meanwhile it's unclear whether the Tigers will want to enter in to a player swap for Moses' early release.
The potential departure of Moses would leave them without an experienced five- eighth to play alongside Luke Brooks, with Jack Littlejohn their first-choice back-up play-making option.
Reserve outside backs Jordan Rankin and Justin Hunt have previously played NRL in the halves and can also kick goals in place of Moses.
The Tigers' most likely other goal-kicking option is the off-contract Tedesco, who has never kicked in the NRL but has filled in during trial matches.
Replies
So maybe a back flip on the deal
the 10 day cooling off period has already ended.
Disappointing but unsurprising.
Still conformation from the club so has he really signed mate
I'd say they were waiting for Moses to be released to announce it.
So now that it looks like its been denied will the club announce for next year
No cause we are still pushing for the release
I remember the sharks doing something similar when we wanted Michael Gordan earlier.
Well played by the club management, we shouldn't bow down for anyone or lose players such as french, mau and gutherson (some of the names being tossed up).
See you next year Mitch.
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