Eels stars told in advance club wanted Tigers’ Mitchell Moses
The Australian12:00AM April 12, 2017
MARGIE MCDONALD
Sports reporterSydney
@MadgetheBadge
Parramatta players knew Mitchell Moses wanted to head their way long before most Wests Tigers fans found out because coach Brad Arthur addressed his squad about his plans.
Moses’ would-be halves partner at the Eels, Corey Norman, said one of Arthur’s strengths was that he took the players into his confidence.
“Brad gives us a heads-up on what he’s going to do. That’s one of his best qualities. He doesn’t leave anything behind closed doors. He’s very upfront with us,” Norman said yesterday.
“He told us about Mitch before it got out, which was good. That’s why he’s such a great coach as he lets everyone know where they stand. He let us know Mitch might be a possibility and we all took it on board.”
Norman and teammates Brad Takairangi and Tim Mannah were joined by club legends Steve Edge, Brett Kenny and Peter Wynn to launch a special 70th anniversary jersey to be worn on Easter Monday, coincidentally against Moses’ Tigers.
On this day in 1947, the Eels played their first game against Newtown in the NSWRL premiership. But yesterday the talk was more about looking forward to Moses rather than looking back on past glories.
“It would be good to play alongside him and get that combination going straight away,” Norman said.
“I’ve had plenty of halves alongside me since I’ve been here. It’s been chop and change.
“A bit of stability will be good.”
Mannah laid a lot of credit with Moses for the Tigers’ upset win over North Queensland in Townsville last Saturday. He doesn’t think a string of Tigers wins will make Moses change his mind. They also share the same manager, Isaac Moses, Mitchell’s uncle.
“I’m confident he’s solid on coming here. He wants to be part of this team,” the co-captain said. “I’ve got no doubt it’s going to happen, it’s just the timing of it.
“That’s why we want him because we know what he can offer on the football field. He’s definitely a big threat and when he’s playing well the Tigers are going well. He brings a lot of energy that is contagious.
“We have to watch him (on Monday), but hopefully not too hard so we don’t hurt him in case he plays with us next week.”
Moses told Wests Tigers management last week he wanted to leave immediately.
But with the appointment of new coach Ivan Cleary, he was not granted permission. That may still come but definitely not before the two clubs face off.
“In the past we’ve given each other a bit of lip, but a bit of banter never hurt anyone. I don’t mind that,” Norman said. “I’m sure nothing will change this week.”
Things will change substantially for the Eels when Moses arrives, with two talented running halves at Arthur’s disposal.
“For attacking skills. He’s got everything,” said Kenny, the former Eels No 6, who helped Parramatta to four grand finals in a row from 1981 to 1984, winning the first three.
“It’s a big benefit for Corey Norman, as it will take pressure off him. Watching the games, Corey is the one leading the team around the park and there’s no one else sort of doing anything.
“Opposition teams think ‘If we stop Norman, we’ll stop Parramatta’. Now they will be looking around (with Moses) thinking ‘who is going to be doing what?’
“When you look at teams over the years, the ones that won premierships always had good halves. That generally puts you very close to winning the competition.”
Norman is eager to see the partnership work as well, whenever it happens.
“I like steering the boys around but I like to run as well. I just have to find that balance between both.
“Having someone else there who could organise the team as well would definitely be good. He’s a good ballrunner as well.
“But you look at Pearcey (Mitchell Pearce) and (Luke) Keary (at Sydney Roosters) and they both feed off each other. There’s no dominant half there.”
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/spo...s/news-story/3519794b2e004dc8e27fa73b57452f39
I guess it makes things more efficient.
