MATURING halfback Mitchell Moses remains the top priority for the Parramatta Eels to retain as they look to maintain a strong club squad for the next few seasons.
The 26 year-old is off contract at the end of the season, and under his contractual agreement, by round 10 in two weeks’ time, he has an option where he can extend his agreement with the Eels.
Moses and his management have been negotiating with the club management for several weeks.
In a nutshell, the Parramatta Times understands, Moses, wants a four-year deal.
But the club, so far, has tabled a three-year offer, estimated around $2.7 million _ $900,000 a season.
Brisbane Broncos have been keen on signing Moses for some time and are trying to lure the no.7 to help them rebuild their flagging NRL fortunes.
Broncos coach Kevin Walters sees Moses has a star play maker, now with seven NRL seasons under his belt.
He wants to solve his halves dilemma, which seen Walters using eight, half/five-eighth combinations so far in 2021.
After last Saturday’ night’s 32-10 win over Canterbury, Moses, said he wants to remain at Parramatta.
The first four years of his career were with Wests Tigers (2014-17).
It was midway through the 2017 season, Moses, joined the Eels, and each season has steadily improved facets of his game in attack and defence.
His kicking and passing game is now more selective and controlled. Most of his front-on defence, once considered a ”weak link” by rivals coaches, has toughened up.
Moses has played 158 NRL games, 91 with the Eels, and in his career so far has bagged 764 points, comprising 25 tries, 331 goals and seven field goals.
His goal kicking percentage is 76.44 per cent.
Moses said after the triumph over the Bulldogs, he is confident he will wort out his future within the next few weeks.
”I haven’t heard anything for a while now, the club and my management are trying to work it out at the moment,” Moses said.
Special coaching by Johns
”I have left it up to them, they will let me know when something is ready to sign. ‘I just have to play good footy here at Parramatta, my full focus is on here at the moment and trying to get wins.”
Eels coach Brad Arthur said keeping Moses is top of the priority list.
In recent media interviews, Arthur, has stated the Eels want to keep Moses and mantain a strong and talented squad they have built in recent seasons, making three of the past four finals series.
”Mitchell is a priority,” Arthur said.
NRL immortal and former champion halfback Andrew Johns does special halves coaching at the Eels.
Arthur said having Johns at the club in his coaching role has benefitted Moses and Brown.
Moses and his five-eighth teammate, Dylan Brown, spend loads of time with Johns, as he works on many aspects of their play.
In other news, the Eels have retained powerhouse winger, Maiko Sivo, for two more years, until the end of the 2013 season.
The Fijian flyer joined the Eels in 2019 and played his 50th NRL game against Wests Tigers.
”Maika has played an important role in our team over the last two seasons and we are delighted that he will continue to bring excitement to our Members and fans, especially at Bankwest Stadium,” Parramatta Eels CEO Jim Sarantinos said.
Sivo was a finalist for the Dally M Rookie of the Year Award in his debut season and claimed the 2019 Ken Irvine Medal for leading try scorer.
He represented Fiji in the inaugural World Cup Nines tournament in 2020.
The Eels next play the Sydney Roosters this Friday night at Bankwest Stadium. Match kick-off 7.55pm.
Photo: Michell Moses in action against the Tigers.
