Phil Gould reveals why he'd pick Mitchell Moses for Origin after Nathan Cleary's injury
Rugby league legend Phil Gould has thrown his support behind a man who's donned the Blue jersey before as NSW searches for a Nathan Cleary replacement.
Cleary injured his hamstring against the Dragons on Sunday night, and will be out for six weeks, and is unlikely to play any further part in the Origin series.
Gould believes Mitchell Moses should be the man to replace him with the Parramatta Eels halfback making his Blues debut back in 2021.
Moses is likely to be competing for the role with Nicho Hynes and Adam Reynolds, with the decision on the No.7 looming as Brad Fittler's biggest selection headache ahead of the must-win Origin II clash at Suncorp Stadium.
"My personal choice would be Mitchell Moses, that's just my personal choice, but people are going to be divided on all aspects of this," Gould said on Nine's 100% Footy.
"I just think that you need to consider where we're going and what the atmosphere and football is going to be like and I guess either one of those fits that bill: Adam Reynolds or Mitchell Moses."
Since debuting for NSW, Moses' game has improved significantly with the halfback leading the Eels to a grand final appearance last year.
Gould believes the only reason he hasn't featured in more Origin matches is because of Cleary's quality.
"He's got a lot of aspects to his game that I like, if there wasn't a Nathan Cleary around he'd have played probably another half a dozen Origins," he said.
"He came in to replace Nathan once and I didn't think he was all that bad on the night and would be better for the experience, that's just my personal choice, I would be going with him.
I think he's still got speed, he's got a great kicking game, he's got a long kicking game and a short kicking game, his long kicking game would be invaluable in Origin and he creates points and I just think he fits the bill nicely.
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"If I were coaching, he would be my first choice."
According to, 9news reporter Danny Weidler the State of Origin squads won't be named until Tuesday June 13 due to the Bulldogs playing Parramatta on the Monday.
Replies
Yep surely it's between Moses and Reynolds to play 7. The others people are going on about don't possess the required kicking game for that level and are mainly left side players. Moses' is the best in the game at long kicking and right short side plays. Sure he's ok in other areas of his game but he is literally the best in those two areas. Moses will be on the 7. The 6 is the biggest headache because Freddy is going to have to let someone down with a phone call.
Gus the sly dog, adding pressure to Moses for Mondays game.
Exactly
100%
He'd be no worse than Cleary.
It's hard to argue with Gould, he knows his NRL, but feel Moses' best place at Origin level is at 6, with a Cleary / Reynolds type at 7.
Take the game management pressure off Moses & let him pick & choose when to inject himself, using that speed & awareness - short sides etc.
He also brings the best kicking game in the competition, an area NSW have struggled with as Cleary is always swamped on 5th tackles.
Moses & Cleary relieve pressure from each other, Moses doenst have to be the general, and Cleary has a halves partner QLD have to be far more aware of, not only on 5th tackles but in general.
With NC injured, it would be Reynolds & Walker or Reynolds & Moses for me.
Moses is a great player & very glad he's out halfback, but he hasn't always imposed himself in big games, he's had some excuses for sure, but the best players want the ball in their hands when momentum is against their side, Moses at times has only popped up on the 5th to kick when we really needed more. His best is probably still to come so hopefully it's an area that experience of last season has developed.
Just my opinion.
I want Moses to be picked due to just seeing the face of those who hate him, no matter how he plays, even if we win, some NSW fans will say he played bad cause he is Moses and is a Parramatta player simple
I want him to get picked and lead NSW to a win, that would be amazing. Of course bad for us in NRL though Manly in rd 16 have no DCE either so bit even.
If Moses is picked and plays well it'll only benefit us in the long run. Do I thunk he can dominate at Origin level, up there , in such a pressure game ? No , I don't . But if he proves me wrong , great , it'll only be good for us if Moses shakes that tag of not being the bloke that can do it on the big stage.
Luai is best in the last 20 minutes when the forwards are tired- could be a good impact player. I would start with Burton on the left feeding JAC and bring Luai on in the last 20. Right side Hynes or Moses.
Surely this is wrong.
Someone like Gould wouldn't pick Moses who is the "Definition of Overrated" to play Origin.
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