Lebanon captain and Parramatta Eels star Mitchell Moses has been in high demand this off-season with Wests Tigers reportedly being the most persistent side tracking his signature, but the star playmaker’s Uncle has spoken publicly advising him to stay put in Parramatta.
Moses was brilliant at the World Cup as he captained Michael Cheika’s Lebanon side and he was also one of the key players for an Eels side that made the Grand Final in 2022.
For those reasons he’s in high demand, particularly because his contract is set to expire come the end of the upcoming season.
This links back to the Super League and Wigan Warriors star, John Bateman, because Wests have also been very active in trying to bring Bateman back down under, where he previously played for Canberra Raiders.
The Sydney club had reportedly attempted to use the sway of Moses and Bateman sharing an agent to make a huge double deal, this delayed Wests’ move for Bateman which is widely reported down under.
Wigan have stated that there has been no official approach as yet.
Turning back to Moses, Tigers legend Benny Elias, who also happens to be Moses’ uncle, has now spoken out suggesting that his nephew should ignore Wests big money offer and remain an Eel by questioning the move: “What’s the saying? Better the devil you know.”
Elias, who played for Wests predecessor the Balmain Tigers making 234 appearances, was speaking with the Daily Telegraph in Australia when trying to put the breaks on Moses’ potential big money move.
“My belief has always been that you stay somewhere where you’re happy and life couldn’t be any better for Mitch. Sometimes you have to put family and blood over club loyalty. “I totally understand Mitch’s dilemma and his frustration over what to do but he’s happy then he should stay.
“Parramatta are a great side so you’re comparing a grand final side with a team (Wests Tigers) that got the wooden spoon. It’s a long year when you’re struggling, trust me so if you’re happy and you know it clap your hands.
“Selfishly I’d love him to come to the Tigers – a club that will always be in my heart – but if you’re after satisfaction and happiness then why shift clubs? The Eels have been very good to Mitch so I reckon they’re the favourites. Parramatta is desperate to keep him and he wants to win a premiership.”
Despite Moses being the hold-up for Bateman’s transfer so far through pre-season, were the Lebanon captain to commit to the Eels then it would free up the cash for Wests to sign the Wigan man.
Alternatively if Moses continues to flirt with a transfer to Wests then Bateman would remain stuck in limbo as it’s becoming apparent that Wests don’t have the cash to land both players, at least not with Parramatta being so resistant to the deal.
In his previous stint down under Bateman impressed and secured the Daly M second-rower of the year award in his debut season before injuries cut short his second year.
