MAY 30 2017 - 5:15PM Adrian Proszenko  SMH

itchell Moses is  aware of the "curse".

That no halfback to pull on the Parramatta No.7 jersey has even come close to emulating the feats of the great Peter Sterling. Even those who have enjoyed success elsewhere - such as premiership-winning playmaker Kieran Foran - have flopped the moment they pulled on the blue and gold.

"Everyone says it's a bit cursed," Moses said. "I'm looking forward to the challenge, I really like playing halfback, I think that's my position, I feel lot more comfortable there. I'm looking forward to the challenge and seeing what I can do here."

Sterling beginning: Mitchell Moses had a stellar first half against Souths.Sterling beginning: Mitchell Moses had a stellar first half against Souths. Photo: Getty Images

The above declaration is an enlightening one. Critics are divided over whether Moses is a running five-eighth or organising halfback, but the Wests Tigers recruit's new role will allow him to fuse the two.  After wearing the No.21 jersey in his first game for his new club, Moses will now wear the number that Sterling made famous.

"Peter Sterling was one of the best to ever play rugby league and to play in the seven jersey," Moses said. "It's definitely a privilege and an honour."

Does extra pressure come with it?

"Not at all," Moses said. "I've come to the club to focus on myself and what I can do best for the team, and that's playing halfback. If I'm doing my job and everyone else is doing their job, we'll go well."

He is focused on his new role, but questions remain over his old one. Moses was in an awkward stand-off with the Tigers, refusing to sign the club's contract extension and then ultimately having it pulled from the table. Upon signing with the Eels from 2018, he sought an immediate release that wasn't forthcoming until his dip in performances in the black, white and orange ultimately forced the club's hand.

The 22 year old declined to go into the contract saga or his time at the Tigers.

"That's for me to know," he said when asked why he had to leave.

"I'm not going to speak about the Tigers at all. They are worried about their own stuff and I'm worried about Parramatta, that's all I'm worried about at the moment.

"I'm not going to comment about what the Tigers are doing at the moment and what's happened."

What is evident is a change in attitude since his arrival at Parramatta. Moses  had only a couple of training sessions before his first Eels game, against the Raiders. Against South Sydney last weekend, particularly in the first half, he showed why coach Brad Arthur was so keen to get him across immediately.

"I feel really clear at the moment, really focused on what Parramatta are doing and what they're about as a club," he said.

"The massive focus is to play semi-final footy this year and that's our goal."

In returning to his junior club, Moses has reunited with Harold Matthews Cup teammate Kaysa Pritchard. The pair, part of side that was undefeated save for the grand final, have quickly clicked as a spine combination.

"I couldn't wait to play with him, now that he's playing, it's good to have him beside me again," Pritchard said.

"It's good to have a half that can kick the ball, control the team around, I can't wait for Normy [Corey Norman] to come back either and see them two work together with myself, too."

 

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  • No such thing!
  • John Simon and Jason Taylor must not have been told about the curse.
  • Or Stu Galbraith
  • Wat about Fitzhenry.
  • I don't believe Ben Kusto was afflicted by a curse, either...
    • and a shame because Paul Kent never had the chance to be cursed as half....

  • It's alright the stadium was the curse. That's gone now.
    • Agreed! A curse was placed on it in 1987
  • Tim Smith became a drunkard because of the curse.

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