An enthusiastic Mitchell Moses was so comfortable in his first Parramatta training session it was as if he'd been there for years, say teammates.
They have no doubt the 22-year-old can handle his vital halves role in Saturday's NRL clash with Canberra, even with added pressure due to the absence of injured playmaker Corey Norman.
Captain Tim Mannah said there should be no fears about Moses' ability to fit into the team's structure in the space of four days.
"The good players don't struggle too much with that stuff," Mannah said. "He's slotted in so smoothly today and it's like he's been here for a long time."
Set to partner Clint Gutherson in the halves, the Eels desperately want Moses to bring a straight-running facet to their attack that has been lacking.
He will slot into the team's right edge, after training beside second-rower Kenny Edwards and returning centre Brad Takairangi on Wednesday.
Both Edwards and Takairangi have deputised in the No.6 jersey previously, and are happy to maintain the team's structure on that side, allowing Moses to play his natural running game and not worry about directing the team.
"He (Moses) is a really good runner of the ball," Edwards said.
"Normy (Norman) organises our team, tells us where to go and what to do. Mitch just plays off the cuff. That's good for us.
"Me and Takas, we run all our shape on the right side so when he comes back to our edge he just plays right in front of us."
Tigers coach Ivan Cleary indicated on Wednesday that Moses' changed demeanour and performances had prompted him to allow the Eels-bound player an early release, after twice denying it earlier in the season.
Parramatta players said they had noticed Moses was out of sorts in the Tigers' 28-8 loss to South Sydney last Friday, but said it was a different man met at training this week.
"Anyone watching that game knew his head wasn't right for that game," Edwards said.
"But he's happy to be over here, we're happy to have him."
Mannah added Moses had already had a boost on the team's morale.
"Mitch came out from the get go and was pretty dominant in taking control of the team," he said.
"He's brought a lot of energy and picked up all the plays really quickly."
http://www.nrl.com/moses-impresses-new-eels-teammates/tabid/10874/newsid/106892/default.aspx
Replies
Frankie just found Wally.
Can't wait to see how he goes this weekend, particularly without Norman in the team?
A lot of responsibility for the kid so early in his stint with the eels, but I believe that he will handle it?
Tep to lock and Scott to the bench with Mannah starting.
What else are the players going to say?? He's shit and BA has made a huge mistake?? I reckon it will take him a few weeks to gel especially with Normie out.
I have a funny feeling the raiders are going to put 40 or 50 on us if they turn up, and ive only backed against us once this year, it could be a bloodbath.
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