In his short time in the NRL, Tepai Moeroa has been very impressive. The young second-rower has no fear and is very strong defensively.
Parramatta’s attitude in defence has been an issue in past years. They haven’t seemed to want to play for one another and they haven’t had that player who will consistently put on the big hits.
The Eels have been accused of not having a forward pack that other teams fear. This year I think you’ll find that won’t be an issue. With Anthony Watmough, Darcy Lussick and most importantly Teapi Moeroa, the Eels’ opponents can expect some big hits coming their way.
Moeroa has been flagged by Peter Sterling as being as good as any young forward that has come through in the last decade.
Coach Brad Arthur has said that Moeroa is very defence focussed and the stats from Friday nights game against the Manly Sea Eagles back that statement up. The young second-rower only made three hit-ups for 26 metres.
He saves his energy for those big hits in defence and that’s exactly what Parramatta need.
Phil Gould is of that opinion that Moeroa needs to learn when to inject himself into the game defensively and to not do it all the time. As he gets older he will learn how to do this, however right now, Moeroa’s aggressiveness in every tackle he’s involved in is just what his side needs to re-build their confidence.
Moeroa made a lot of strong tackles on Friday night and it really sets the tone in defence for the rest of the team. Sending Willie Mason flying is not easy feat but Moeroa seems to do it with little effort. What I like about him is that he doesn’t get up all fired up after a big hit – it’s just a normal day at the office for Moeroa.
The Eels have made Parramatta home for Moeroa until the end of the 2017 season. With his background in rugby union, I suspect Moeroa will be fielding offers from both codes when his contract is due to expire.
This young gun is set to become a household name very quickly. Keep an eye on him this season, I’m tipping he’ll be talked about as a superstar of the game before the season is lover.
I think I’ll go off now to look into his eligibility for Origin – let’s hope it’s with NSW!
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