He owns the No.7 jumper and a long-term deal, but Moses Mbye admits he is unsure how long he will have either as he faces an uncertain future at Canterbury.
Mbye is one of a number of players linked with an exit from Belmore amid widespread speculation the club has been successful in its pursuit of high-profile names Aaron Woods and Kieran Foran.
Wests Tigers captain Woods is understood to be leaning towards joining the Bulldogs next season, while Foran is believed to have met with club officials this week. A News Corp report suggests both deals have been done.
The developments are sure to cause a shuffle in the Bulldogs roster, with Mbye reportedly shopped to rival clubs despite signing a four-year deal just last year.
Ahead of Sunday’s round-eight match against the Wests Tigers, Mbye conceded security only comes through good form and that mid-contract upheaval is merely a reality of the game.
“A contract doesn’t mean too much these days. You’ve got to play good footy to be honest, focus on the footy and whatever comes of it will come in time,” he said.
“Obviously there’s a salary cap there and it’s rules – you have to follow it.
“To make space, blokes have got to go and if you want new people, that’s just how it works. It’s been happening like that for years and it’ll probably continue to do so.”
Mbye was considered the club’s long-term halfback in the pre-season, however the recent emergence of Matt Frawley has muddied Mbye’s short and long-term future.
After spending the final 55 minutes of last week’s win over South Sydney at hooker, the 23-year-old says he is now unsure of what his best position is.
“It’s a good question. To be honest, I don’t know,” he said.
“I like playing rugby league. I think I’m a utility, I can do a good job in the halves, on the weekend I played hooker and played a little bit of centre. But I’m probably still figuring it out myself.
“At the moment I’m comfortable playing in the halves and confident I can do a good job there.”
Mbye has been named to start again at halfback this week with Frawley on the bench, however the Queensland hopeful admits there is no set game plan for when he will switch positions.
He said coach Des Hasler is taking a “horses for courses” approach.
“It’s the way the game’s going to pan out – people get gassed, a different style of footy, different speeds of the game, and different size of people’s packs,” he said.
“I think it’s one of those things you just make on game day, it’s a live decision and he’ll do that, he’s pretty experienced in that arena.”
Fish
Guest
Mbye is not a half. He is your run of the mill modern day utility. Capable of playing numerous position well, but not brilliantly. You could throw in Keary, Milford, Austin, and Morgan as well. They are not your stock standard style of halfback. They handle the role but they lack that certain attribute that defines the role. Every team needs a solid 14. Mbye may head to Tiger Town, but not as a half. Fullback perhaps?
Joe
Roar Rookie
The fact that he is still thinking he is a good utility and doesn't know what his best position is says volumes. His performances at halfback at the moment doesn't match his salary and that is the only reason why he is being considered to be punted. If you're being paid the big bucks you have to perform and he has said as much. I'm not sure whether this is his or the coaching staff issue. I look at what Bellamy did with Cronk who was playing a utility role, basically saying you're going to be a halfback for this team and then getting them over to Matty Johns to learn everything about being a half so they don't have any doubts. I really think Mybe has the talent just needs some tutoring and continuous work on his game.
Jay Dunbar
Roar Guru
And could be a perfect foil for Brooks. In fact, it could bring out the best in both young players, who not very long ago were rated 2 of the best prospects in the game. If they could land Widdop too, who somehow hasn't been signed yet, plus a few big boppers, they could be in a much better position than they would be with Moses, Teddy and Woods resigned to long term, expensive deals.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Mbye would look good in black, white and gold. It would be a novelty for the Tigers to have another club picking up part of the tab for a player on their roster rather than the other way around.