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!
Parra rocks western Sydney
Guest
Is he same guy that went to emerton public school. 8 years ago because I don't recognise him now Well anyway the Parramatta eels have got themselves a very talented player and I hope For Parramatta eels sake that they can keep him happy and he can one day become a one club legend and then ultimately he and the Parramatta eels can play on the biggest stage and hopefully win some premierships Go. Parra
pjm
Roar Rookie
He looks 10 years older than he is, how much gear has he been on?
Alex L
Roar Rookie
If I'm not mistaken, he's already carrying a chronic injury in his shoulder, at only 19. That doesn't bode well for his future, which is a shame because he's obviously got some enormous talent.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Yeah, his impact isn't completely measured by the stats. They'll tell you how many tackles someone has made but not the effect of them. He did a lot of work running as a decoy, I was waiting for the Eels halves to hit him as the first runner. I reckon he's one of the most exciting players in the game. For him to be belting blokes as he is at just 19 is almost unbelievable. How good is he going to be in his mid 20s with 6 years of NRL experience as opposed to 6 games? Definitely NSW qualified but the big danger is that he has a big rugby background having represented Australian schoolboys. He'd be a devastating No. 8 or blindside flanker.
Hayley Maher
Roar Pro
Did you watch the game or did you just have a look at his stats? I'll remind you that he left the field injured & never returned so didn't play the full 80mins. It's his impact in defence that makes him a standout.
Pat Malone
Guest
3 hit ups for 28 metres and 15 tackles. You must have been watching a different game to me