Memo: Wests Tigers. Don’t do the stupid thing and let Mitchell Moses leave to join Parramatta after you play the Eels on Easter Monday. Make him stay until the end of the season.
Where is the value for the club in letting him go now? It can only hurt you. He’s going there at the end of the year anyway, so make him play out the time between now and then and get something out of him.
Why give Parramatta an even break? That can only come back to haunt you, if the presence of Moses becomes a critical factor in them getting to the finals. Particularly if it is at the expense, narrowly, of a team like the Tigers.
While all of this negotiating of contracts for next year and beyond is going on with key players at the Tigers, there is still this season to worry about, and Moses is more important than anyone bar James Tedesco when it comes to the team’s chances of doing something.
What is wrong with Moses being a part of the campaign? Nothing that I can see. If he could play a part in the Tigers maybe having a bit of success by sneaking into the finals, then what would be wrong with that?
While the future is obviously important, the present is the main thing and the club’s supporters are entitled to see decisions being made with a view to getting the best possible result this season.
Moses is the team’s chief architect in attack. His defence is too often poor – and hopefully he is going to improve in that area – but he can make things happen with the ball in his hands. He can win games.
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It is disturbing to see and hear reports suggesting Moses will be at Parramatta as soon as next week. I just hope it’s speculation and that the board and management of the Tigers won’t entertain the idea, but I always worry that where there’s smoke, there’s fire.
The Tigers are a developing side that will improve at a much quicker rate if they get the confidence that comes with good results. That’s the best reason for keeping Moses. Those players around him are going to get better as their combinations with him develop.
So what if he’s leaving at the end of the year? He’s contracted for this season and that’s what matters. Tigers fans deserve to see their team get the opportunity to play at their peak.
Moses himself should want to stay for the rest of the season as well. He should be old enough and mature enough now to know that is the right thing to do.
If I were a Tigers fan, I’d hate to think Moses might be released early. If I were an Eels fan, I’d love for him to be arriving sooner rather than later.
But there is only one club Moses is contracted to for this season and that’s the Tigers. Make him see it out.
Jacko
Guest
Steve You answered your question with what you said. He has been a champion in the U20 cup...Potential does not make someone "arguably" the best in five-eight in the NRL. He may end up an absolute superstar but how many times did Brookes get mentioned as a superstar? He is good but not a superstar So therefore it is "Laughable" that someone who has not played much top grade and has no rep footy is called Auguably the top five-eight in the NRL
Bugs
Guest
I see where you're coming from Will, but on principle I would keep him. If he doesn't want to be there, he can play in the reggies. A contract is a contract. I'd be putting the onus firmly on Moses. "We need you at your best this year if we're to make the finals. If you can't / won't commit to giving your utmost, enjoy NSW cup while we develop someone else (who will commit)" What are you telling the rest of the playing group (and future signings) if you let a guy go simply because he wants to?? From the outside looking in, I would nominate unhealthy levels of player power as a systemic issue at the Tigers the last 5 years. Cleary needs to stamp it out, and ensure he keeps it out. For the good of the Tigers.
TigerMike
Guest
yeah which team did you play fot ? I don't remember squid wart in any professional team
Joey B
Guest
Moses personally, obviously. Just like Robbie Farah. And the board is doing a great job. With a chairperson who has the guts to tackle sexism head on
Joey B
Guest
He's been killing it in SuperCoach, that's for sure..
Joey B
Guest
One can also imagine Moses is a complete Pri*k!
Joey B
Guest
Option 3 every day of the week
Joey B
Guest
Did Robbie Farah?
Joey B
Guest
I'm guessing he made the decision to request a release after having a hissy fit when his contract offer was withdrawn. Woods was saying on tv the other night that he wants to make the decision when he's in a better headspace, which is what issac Moses should have advised Mitch to do. But I agree, if his heart is not on the bus, then he can get off it quick smart. I've never really understood the hype anyway.
John
Guest
Moses' problem or the Tigers problem?
Joey B
Guest
And play him at prop
Joey B
Guest
The problem with Moses is, the club let two quality 5/8's go in Martin and Austin, in order to focus on he and Brooks as they were seen as the future of the club. Ever since he debuted though, he's constantly said that 'he understands rugby league is a business' and his motivation to play well has been to increase his market value. The Tigers have been paying him overs for years based on potential, and now that we're starting to see some of that realised, he signs with the Eels! Because he wants to play for a stable club! So anyway I agree the Tigers should not grant him a release. Make him play reserve grade for the rest of the year and see how his potential goes.
Kobi
Guest
Hasn't proved anything on the paddock consistently in his time at the Tigers. Somebody please remind me where the the Tigers finished on the ladder last few years that makes him an asset to any club he wants to restart his career at. I say don't let the door hit you on the way out & i'm a passionate Tigers supporter same goes for anyone else there thinking of doing a runner, good effn riddence.
steveng
Roar Rookie
What's 'Laughable you mean' about it 'Jacko'??? Tell us!!! Cody has been a champion in the Holden Cup and ever since he started playing in the NRL Premiership, he's been one of the most exciting 5/8 in the comp. Have a look at his stats, even though the Rabbits haven't been that crash hot to back his skills up. His not the best but he surely makes the most of his outstanding skills and his size.
Birdy
Guest
I hope they get rid of the tea lady too so Ivan can put a real team together.
Will Sinclair
Roar Guru
You've identified the key difference Bugs - only Moses has requested a release. If he wanted to stay with the Tigers then I would have absolutely no problem in him seeing out his contract - none at all. But if he doesn't want to be there, then he should be allowed to leave.
Jacko
Guest
Laughable you mean
Jacko
Guest
Did taylor have a contract story as well?
kk
Roar Pro
Hi 3 Hats. You have a point when Cody Walker is on $250K until 2019 and Adam Reynolds is on <$600K? until 2021. Each of them is undervalued by $250K per season. I think Moses is worth $750K and good luck.He can kick goals and in time will become more reliable. Do you know if Braidon Burns has had bomb retrieval practice. I have tipped Souths. Good to see they stuck with BB. Fingers XXX
Bugs
Guest
Should Bennett not use Hunt for the rest of the season? Or Bellamy use Tohu Harris? I know they haven't requested releases, but I still reckon Cleary can make Moses understand why its important he stay. And like Greg says, Moses is too crucial for this team right now. Esp if Jack Littlejohn is the back-up