By Adrian Proszenko
5 April 2018 — 6:07pmMitchell Moses is frustrated. With himself, the competition ladder, even his teammates.
During the loss to his former club Wests Tigers, the sixth consecutive Parramatta defeat stretching back to last season, Moses gave teammate Kenny Edwards an expletive-filled spray for not getting to his feet quickly at the play-the-ball.
Mitchell Moses is frustrated by Parramatta's poor start to the season.
Photo: AAP“It’s just me being passionate,” Moses said.
“The boys know it’s not a personal thing or anything like that. I’m not going at the person because I don’t like the person.
“We’re a tight-knit group here; we all love each other. But I’m just passionate. It’s getting to that stage where we’re 0-4 and I’m really passionate about my team and I really want to win.
“I think that’s all it is.
“The boys don’t take it personally at all, it’s my job to get up some of the boys if it’s deserved. That’s my job, I’m a halfback and I’ve got to be doing that stuff.
“It’s more just the passion side, I think. I wanted to demand perfection. None of the boys take it personally.”
Moses was also on the receiving end of a gobful himself. After missing a tackle that led directly to a try, the Eels No.7 copped harsh words from Michael Jennings.
“If I’m not doing my job I get sprayed myself,” Moses said. “That’s footy, you have to be able to cop it.”
By his own admission, Moses is playing below his best. He carried his strong club performances of 2017 into the Rugby League World Cup, producing a series of eye-catching performances that had him tipped for State of Origin honours. But despite enjoying a full pre-season at Parramatta, he and Corey Norman have struggled to assert themselves while playing with little football behind a beaten pack.
“Personally, my game hasn’t been up to scratch,” he said.
“I’ve got to focus on my own game, I think I’m worried about too many others instead of my own game. If I narrow it down and do what I do best, it will be better for the team.”
It’s my job to get up some of the boys if it’s deserved.
Mitchell Moses
Asked why it hasn’t clicked for him in 2018, Moses said: “I’m not sure. We’ve been under the pump the last couple of weeks.
“We’ve lost two out of the four games from penalty goals. There’s no excuses, I haven’t been up to scratch and I need to pick up my game.”
According to Champion Data, Moses has had to do more work off the ball. With the Eels struggling to maintain possession, he has had to make an average of 17.2 tackles per game, averaging 3.2 misses. Asked if he was being targeted by the opposition, the 23-year-old said: “I’m not sure if they’re targeting me, I do find I’m making a lot more tackles. I’m handling myself in that situation, I feel more comfortable there.
“I’ve just got to pick up my game, that’s as simple as it is.”
The Eels are coming last in some of the game’s most crucial statistical categories, including completed sets (average of 21) and run metres per game (1174.5). Unlike previous seasons, the blue and golds haven’t been able to defend an error or penalty.
“The boys’ intent has been massive,” Moses said.
“We had a few sets in defence on the weekend, it was the fourth tackle on our 20-metre line and we gave away a penalty.
“The boys’ intent is there, they are busting their arse and putting all of our energy into defence. Our possession has been a bit low and we haven’t had the ball to put on some points or pressure. Once we get the ball we think we have to score because we haven’t seen it for a while.”
Replies
Fair commentary from the boy himself, and the crucial bit that says about the penalty goals, they have given away and reason for two losses. Ill discipline!
I like this kid .
Concur. IMO MM has what it takes to be class HB. He is a damn sight more important to us than ole Dozy. As far as I'm concerned, recruiting MM is one of BA's better decisions.
Now we just need our forwards to turn up with the same attitude as the Raiders did.
Give the kid the captaincy, even if its not long term, give him the experience and we'll have a captain thats hungry and loves to talk.
Surely hed be better than capt softserve.
Agreed. I was impressed after watching his interview straight after the loss last week.
But I doubt Mannah will lose the captaincy until after he retires.
I agree. I’ve been saying it in other blogs. Yes he can get emotional and frustrated but he can work on that. I’d much prefer his desire compared to our current Captain smilie. MM is merely making this HIS side. And that’s exactly what I want from my 7. Put the ‘C’ next to his name!!!
I'd have MM as captain over the current setup in a heartbeat.
agree zipzip we need to build our future team around Moses. We also need a captain that has some passion for the team and Moses fits that 100%
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