Super League star’s big NRL move confirmed

With Leeds Rhinos and Wigan Warriors confirming business for 2024, many clubs have urgently made signings for the rest of 2023 like Warrington Wolves, Hull KR, Castleford Tigers and Wakefield Trinity.

The deadline for 2023 signings is August 4th which is slowly creeping up on us.

This is why we have seen some frantic business over the last few days and weeks as clubs try to assemble the squads they want for the rest of the season.

Even Super League and World Champions St Helens were caught up in all of this.

But their hands were somewhat forced with a star playing receiving an opportunity to go back to the NRL effective immediately, a move that has now been confirmed.

Joey Lussick has agreed to join the Parramatta Eels for the remainder of the 2023 NRL season until the end of the 2025 season.

The hooker will return to the Club after leaving at the end of 2021 to join St Helens in the English Super League.

General Manager of Football Mark O’Neill said, “Joey will add quality and depth to our roster. He knows our systems and coaching style and will fit in right where he left off.”

Joey has played 120 games in the NRL and Super League and will join the Eels at training this week.

Lussick’s release was confirmed on Saturday night by Paul Wellens after Saints were beaten in the Challenge Cup semi-final by the Leigh Leopards.

That was his last game and he scored a try and nailed a brilliant 40/20 in a magnificent first half which looked set to lead on to a fairytale farewell.

However, as Leigh battled back, Lussick’s final hoorah was taken away from him.

The Saints only agreed to this release because they had found a replacement in the shape of St George Illawarra Dragons star Moses Mbye.

Mbye makes the move to join St Helens immediately and will link up with his new teammates in the coming days, adding a wealth of experience to Paul Wellens’ side having played 194 NRL matches, scoring 28 tries, kicking 141 goals, and featuring for Queensland three times in the State of Origin series.

The 29-year-old Australian is incredibly versatile playing across the spine at hooker, half-back, or full-back, further bolstering this Saints team that is full of international talent, on a deal running until the end of the 2025 Super League season.

Speaking about signing for the Saints, Mbye told saintsrlfc.com:

“I’m wrapped! It’s something that I’m so grateful for, to be part of a club with such success and such rich history. I’m keen to come over and learn from the current squad and off Wello (Paul Wellens) and be part of a club with such a great culture.

“My versatility is an asset I’ve got to develop over a number of years now, with my conversations with Paul that’s what I’m here to do, to be part of the squad and fulfil any role that is needed to be filled – but I want to earn my spot too. It’s a good opportunity to come over, add some healthy competition to what is already a really successful squad, and earn my spot.”

“I know the expectations at St Helens are high which is great because we’re expected to succeed because of how well the team has gone in the past and in recent years. It’s come from the hard work they have put in and I’m looking forward to being part of it. I can’t wait to get over there, meet the boys and the fans and get amongst it!”