The making of Mitchell Moses
I have not always been too kind to Mitchell Moses on these pages. The way in which he left the Tigers did not show him in a good light. His performances never really lived up to the supposed hype.
The greatest ab workout of my year came from the hours of laughter at the news that the Eels were going to spend $800,000 a year on his services. Considering James Maloney was supposedly on $500,000 it still makes me smile.
To his credit, the footy he produced after moving across western Sydney to the Eels was pretty amazing. He looked a different player, full of confidence and absolutely rejuvenated.
He played a huge part in the Eels run to the top four. The combination he struck up with Corey Norman produced some highlight moments and looks to have his Parramatta side in great shape moving forward.
Still, I don’t think even the biggest of Eels fan would put Moses in the elite playmakers in the competition.
Entering the World Cup, Mitchell Moses along with Michael Lichaa and Robbie Farah, were the main men for a Lebanese side that entered the competition as the lowest ranked nation.
Moses entered the World Cup with plenty of pressure on his shoulders, but also a big opportunity.
He exits the World Cup having taken full advantage of that opportunity, and a brand new fan of yours truly.
Moses led the Cedars to the first-up victory over France in brilliant style. His chip, chase, regather and try was the decisive four-pointer. Before that, he really controlled the game with the boot and his passing game.
He was in the top few Cedar performers in the tough pool games against the Kangaroos and England. Despite playing behind a badly beaten forward pack and not possessing the supporting cast of his rivals, Moses did himself no harm with his performances.
Despite his efforts in the pool stages, it will really be the effort against the red-hot Tongans that will be best remembered.
He was immense.
Keeping in mind this was an instance where Lebanon was supposed to be blown off the park. The pre-game comments were all ‘Tonga by how many?’
The betting line was something like 24 or 28 points. To be honest I expected the Cedars to be brave but ultimately easily outclassed.
Oh, how wrong we all were. If not for a few 50/50 calls going against them they very well could have caused the greatest boilover in World Cup history.
They came so close, mainly due to the efforts of young Moses. It’s hard to believe he is still only 23 years of age. He has seemingly been at the Tigers forever.
He was in absolutely everything. His kicking game, especially early in the tackle count, dictated where the game was played. It looked an obvious game plan to kick early and force the Tongans to work the ball out from their end. That was all down to the pinpoint kicking game of Moses.
Not known for his defence, he forced errors while making tackles. It was really encouraging to see a player often maligned for his defensive errors backing himself in such a way. Brad Fittler really had his star man firing both with and without the ball.
He finished the game with two line breaks and a try assist in a wonderful performance. He led a hugely outclassed forward pack around the park and came within, literally, inches of putting his side through to a semi-final.
If that performance doesn’t instil supreme confidence in the Parramatta playmaker heading into next season then nothing will.
He will return to clubland armed with attacking superstars the likes of Michael Jennings, Clinton Gutherson, and Bevan French at his disposal.
Leading the way will be players like Nathan Brown and Manu Ma’u. Moses will also have Corey Norman by his side to help him dictate play.
There have been a few players to see their profile skyrocket during the past weeks of World Cup action. Perhaps David Fusitu’a and a few of the Kumuls aside, Moses name would be very close to the top of that list.
The past four games have been amazing for the Cedars. The passion, the ridiculous tries, the heart. It has been absolutely amazing. They will rocket up the international rankings as a result.
For that, Lebanese fans owe a great deal of praise to Mitchell Moses, who under Brad Fittler’s mentorship has become a far better player.
His time representing the nationality of both of his parents may truly be the making of Moses as a complete footballer.
Moses and his parents can be very proud of his efforts. He has certainly made a believer out of me.
Replies
Mate, MOSES is the star. Norman is the side kick. MOSES will take over this year and I believe he will be a great asset. He is getting better each game. Humble too.
Moses will lead us to the Promised Land... But like the first Moses who was not allowed to enter the Promised Land himself, it probably means Mitch will get injured in the prelim Final...
you could be right after freddy the lebs coach , may well get the nsw gig.. as coach.
look love him or hate him, robbie farrah may have been better playing 7 all hes nrl life, he was out standing, and you got to say playing with moses it was top class...
ESP defence
robert maxwell : I too thought as you do that Robbie Farah was outstanding and I thought that perhaps he should have been playing half all his career. When he came into Ist grade he was about the fastest hooker in the game and one thinks would have been a success at half. Freddy played him at half in the first game of their World Cup. Things went well with Moses and Farrah combining well. But then Freddy played him at hooker and things did not go well. It was not until Farrah played half again that the Cedars came into their own. Coaches miss the most obvious things.
Gets his shoulder n and everything Shaun JOHNSON take heed if Mitchell can do it so can you.
Moses has been close to if no the best half running in the RLWC.
Moses .....a future super star
Interesting; I seem to have read this somewhere before....ooooooohhhh, yeah…”Mitch Moses is a truly gifted footballer and an outstanding representative for his parent's country, Lebanon, his adopted home Australia, Rugby League and especially the Parramatta Eels.” The kid is a winner….Nov 10.
Careful Dan, some people might think you're a bit funny.....
I'd like to see a comparison of thoughts about Moses from after his first game against Cowboys when he was running away from having to make tackles (especially on Hess) compared to our thoughts on him now!