Mitchell Moses’ player-of-the-series performance at the World Cup nines again showed he has what it takes to perform on the big stage ahead of a massive 2020.
The Parramatta halfback was named player of the tournament in Australia’s title success, as he set up four tries and also scored four of his own in the tournament.
It also comes after he impressed for Lebanon in the traditional World Cup in 2017, playing under current NSW State of Origin coach Brad Fittler.
Moses was named the Dally M halfback of the year in 2019, ahead of a year where there will be a spot open in the Blues halves following the departure of James Maloney for England.
“I don’t want to look at it like that,” Moses said.
“I just wanted to learn as much as possible with some world-class players in this team.
“I wanted to take as much out of it as possible.
“I enjoyed (the tournament and final). I don’t want to look too far ahead. Just get into the pre-season with Parramatta and see what happens.”
Realistically, Moses will face stiff opposition from Luke Keary to partner Nathan Cleary, assuming the Blues stick with the youngster at No.7.
However, if he maintains his form from 2019, he will have a case to push for Fittler’s Blues.
The form half of 2019, Moses set up a league-high 31 tries as he helped Parramatta secure their finals win in a decade.
Now aged 25, he is entering the prime of his career with already more than 130 games to his name after debuting as a youngster for the Wests Tigers.
And Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga said it would only be a matter of time before he begins pushing for more representative honours.
“He’s certainly maturing as a person and as a player. He’s starting to put some pressure on guys at the big end,” Meninga said.
“Absolutely (pushing for higher honours), the way he’s going.
“He had a terrific year this year for Parramatta, and that’s why he’s in the footy team. He’s starting to poke his head up now, which is fantastic for him.”
Pickett
Roar Rookie
He is the Bradbury incumbent. Indeed, I'd put Pearce ahead of Cleary.
Albo
Roar Rookie
But Fittler won't. Why would he change the incumbent halfback that has been involved with two from two, back to back, SOO series wins with barely an error along the way ?
Flexis
Roar Rookie
Regardless of how big the stage was he certainly stood out. Couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed he wasn’t lining up for the Cedars. Would’ve really improved the competitiveness of the competition.
mushi
Roar Guru
Part of it is selection and talent identification. I don't think they are searching for Cronk, they're searching for Thurstons etc and hoping to layer consistency onto the mecurial. Cronk was lucky, he got to come through without having to be mecurial. Some teams might be better off going the counter intuitive and pairing an established playmaker with young level head.
mushi
Roar Guru
Anthony Milford looked like a future Australian 5/8 in the 9s a few years back...
Larry1950
Guest
Moses definitely has the potential but premierships are won on key players excelling consistently, not spasmodically. The nines comp is made for the little guys with pace and evasiveness, as it is also perfect for the bigger guys like David Fifita with power and pace. As a bronco follower, I watched Moses demolish us but the next week against the Storm he was anonymous, that's not how you win premierships. There are so few consistent playmakers in the nrl that everyone is searching for the next Cronk who can lead a team around without making tackles or running the ball. The term 'hens teeth' comes to mind.
Andrew
Guest
Moses had a very good World Cup for Lebanon in late 2017 then regressed in 2018 for the Eels before bouncing back in 2019 with a very good season. Eels fans will hope he continues to trend in the direction his potential says he could. But this wasn't a big stage. A gimmick off season game played infront of nobody, with nobody watching on TV and a chunk of your opponents either part time professionals or less. That is a fairly big jump from there to Origin. Like he has eluded to in the interview, he got the most out of training.
Pickett
Roar Rookie
I wouldn't think Cleary was a certainty for Origin. I'd have Keary and Wighton and even Moses ahead of Cleary as NSW halves.
Noosa Duck
Roar Rookie
I tend to agree with you Tom, although he has been around for a bit but I reckon he has that potential to be that big stage player. Confidence is a big factor and when you start learning how to win week in and week out then it becomes second nature. If Parra learn to win away from Bankwest it will make a huge difference in his game.
Tom G
Roar Rookie
He’s being singled out for lavish praise in this article... a big stage player.. my point is that he’s not there yet
Paul
Roar Guru
You don't get to pull on a jumper and represent your country unless you've got some talent and clearly Moses does. That said, it's a very long way from a 25 round grind of 80 minute football, to the 9's at the end of a long season. I hope he does take some learning away from this experience but IMO he has a long way to go to be mentioned as a potential SOO or Test player - unless of course other candidates make themselves unavailable.
Noosa Duck
Roar Rookie
Yes but so did the rest of the team so why signal him out. He could have won man of the match in that game and the Eels still would have been flogged
Noosa Duck
Roar Rookie
He certainly has come on since both he & Brad Arthur settled their contract negotiations. I think that his confidence building second half this year and the confidence that Mal Meninga has shown in him by selecting him in both the 9's squad & knocking on the door of the Australian squad. However, one should also mention the performances of David Fifita in the 9's as well, man for a big bloke he sure as hell can run and has a step on him a good half back would envy ....
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
Big challenge coming up for the Eels to maintain the momentum from 19. Plenty of chances always open up in the NSW halves even when we were very strong in that area.
Tom G
Roar Rookie
It was the nines mate... hardly the 'big stage'.. he seemed pretty lost on a real big stage a few weeks ago when it really mattered