Parramatta captain Mitchell Moses is set to undergo further scans on a foot injury on Wednesday as the Eels attempt to clear up some of the uncertainty around the immediate future of their chief playmaker.
Moses had a screw inserted in his foot midway through last year and it is understood he has suffered fresh soreness in the area,
prompting the club to send their talismanic halfback for testing.
It is understood Moses has already undergone scans on the area which failed to reveal an explanation for the complaint. Eels officials are hopeful further testing on Wednesday will provide them with some clarity as they look to get to the bottom of a problem which has rocked Moses and the club.
Coach Jason Ryles hinted at the uncertainty around Moses in a statement on the club’s website announcing their team to play the Storm.
“Mitch is experiencing soreness from a previous injury,” Ryles said.
“We’re taking a cautious approach to ensure his foot heals properly and he can play his best football for the team.
“We will continue to monitor Mitch’s recovery and make an assessment on a return date next week.”
Moses’ unavailability shapes as the latest blow to Ryles as he attempts to put a tumultuous preseason behind him heading into this weekend’s round one game against the club where he cut his coaching teeth, Melbourne.
Moses’ absence has been exacerbated by the unavailability of Dean Hawkins after he injured his calf on the last day of their preseason training block.
Ronald Volkman, who was only signed by the club in December, will wear the famed Parramatta No.7 jersey in their absence.
It’s a big ask for Volkman, who missed the entirety of last season with a shoulder problem, although the lion’s share of responsibility is likely to fall on five-eighth Dylan Brown.
Brown was already under a blazing spotlight heading into the game due to the ongoing speculation over his future.
The New Zealand international has a monster offer on the table from Newcastle and even the most ardent Eels fan would concede the club is fighting an uphill battle to convince him to stay given the money that is on the table.
Interestingly, Brown has been given an opportunity to lead the team with Moses out of action, giving him the chance to dispel some of the doubts over whether he can succeed as the man with his hands on the wheel and justify the Newcastle price tag.
Moses’ ability to get back on the field is likely to dictate Parramatta’s season. Having recently inked a new deal with the club, Moses is clearly the most important player at Parramatta after being handed the captaincy following the departure of Clint Gutherson.
