New Parramatta Eels captain Mitchell Moses’ plea to keep Dylan Brown at the club
David Riccio
Mitchell Moses has declared he intends to use his persuasive powers as newly-appointed Eels captain to sway teammate and star five-eighth Dylan Brown into re-signing with the club.
Moses has also declared he will hold no ill feeling towards Nathan Cleary or Jarome Luai should he be forced to relinquish his NSW State of Origin halfback jersey in 2025.
The absolute key to the Eels fortunes this season, the 30-year-old has used his first press conference as captain to reveal how rookie coach Jason Ryles has flipped the club on it’s head since arriving last October.
“He has really brought the boys together,” Moses said of Ryles.
“There’s been a lot of change for us, how we train, how long we train – the whole schedule has pretty much taken a flip.
“The whole club has taken a flip. He has stamped his authority.
“But everyone’s reacting, well, everyone’s buying into what he’s trying to bring to the club.
Mitchell Moses believes new coach Jason Ryles is the man to turn the Parramatta Eels around. Picture: NewsWire
Asked if such significant change could result in the Eels suffering from teething problems to begin the 2025 season against the Melbourne Storm on March 9, Moses replied: “Hopefully not. I feel like we’re buying into what we’re trying to do and we’re connecting really well.
“Hopefully we can kick start the year off, we’ve got a fairly tough start to the year, but we’ll just have a throw at the stumps and see how we go.”
BROWNIE POINTS
Brown is signed at Parramatta until 2031 but has an exit clause that allows him to test the market for 2026 up until round 10 this year.
His long-term future at the Eels will remain the focus of conjecture until he declares his intentions beyond this year, leading Moses to declare exactly how he feels about his 24-year-old teammate.
“It’s up to Dyl. I hope he stays. I love him, I love him to death,” Moses said.
“I feel like I play my best footy with Dylan.
“That’s a decision he’s going to have to make in due course.
“I might start to (get in his ear). I love the kid.
“What he does outside footy is what nobody sees and he has a massive effect on the Parramatta area.
“I really hope he stays. He knows I love playing with him, and I think everyone else in the team loves playing with him, so he knows where we all stand.”
Moses has launched an impassioned plea to keep Dylan Brown at the club. Picture: NRL Photos
BLUE WHO
Without Cleary to choose from due to injury, NSW selectors turned to Moses last year – who he himself was on the comeback trail from a foot injury – when 1-0 nil down in the State of Origin series.
The Eels star answered the call with aplomb, collecting man of the match honours with a Blues masterclass game two before steering NSW to a series-deciding win in game three.
So special was Moses’ impact on the Blues series success, commentators described him as “undroppable” in 2025.
Moses said he was ready for the headlines and opinions that have already begun over who between him, Cleary or Luai, should be in the Blues starting halves.
“I feel like where we’re at with NSW is whoever is going to get picked in that role is going to have my full support,” Moses said.
“If it’s Nath playing seven, if it’s me I feel like the support goes both ways, even Romey (Luai).
“I felt what he (Luai) did for the jersey last year was outstanding in all three games.
“Nath has been unlucky with injury and I had my chance to come in there and do my thing.
“Whoever is in that seven or six jersey has got my full support and the whole state’s full support.
“That’s what we’re trying to change at the moment.”
Moses hopes he gets the nod for NSW again but says he will support whoever gets the No.7 Blues jersey. Picture: NRL Photos
CAPTAIN MITCH
Moses said his leadership style will be simple after conceding he plans to adopt a small piece of advice handed to him by the Eels greatest captain of all-time, three-time premiership-winning skipper Steve Edge.
“To be myself,” Moses said.
“Steve Edge came in the other day and he led Parra to their first grand final, all three in fact, and that was his advice, so I’ll grab them and use it.
“I’ll take a bit out of (Clint Gutherson’s style).
“He led with his actions, he didn’t say too much, Gutho, but he definitely led on the field.
“He was a great leader. I loved playing underneath him. He’s obviously gone to the Dragons and is skipper there so he’s obviously doing something right.
“I grew up supporting this club. I’ve seen a lot of change at the club.
“So for me to be able to captain the club at the moment and hopefully lead us into something special, is (something) I’m really excited for and couldn’t be more proud.”
Moses admits he will take some inspiration from Clint Gutherson, but will have his own captaincy style at Parramatta. Picture: NRL Photos
ZAC ATTACK
One of the best goalkickers in the NRL, Moses could be set to relinquish the role following the arrival of fellow sharpshooter Zac Lomax, one player the Eels half is desperate to combine with in attack.
“He’s (Lomax) a great goalkicker, I think I’ll hand the reins to him,” Moses said.
“We’ve got some fair strike out wide now.
“So hopefully we can get them (Lomax and fellow winger Josh Addo-Carr) as much ball as possible.
“They’ve been outstanding. I think those two have come bouncing in and full of confidence.
“They’re really excited to see what we’re doing here and they really bought into what we’re trying to do.”
Moses has been impressed by Zac Lomax at Parramatta training and admits he may hand the goalkicking duties to the new recruit in 2025. Picture: Instagram
EELS ANNOUNCE NEW CLUB CAPTAIN IN POST-GUTHERSON ERA
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Pamela Whaley
Parramatta’s new era comes with new leadership after star halfback Mitch Moses was announced as the club’s solo captain.
Taking over from former fullback and close mate Clint Gutherson, the NSW Origin champion has been given the nod to lead the club into the future under new coach Jason Ryles.
It’s come at the expense of Gutherson’s former co-captain Junior Paulo, who now forms part of the leadership group after three seasons in the job.
Moses, 30, joins Paulo, respected forward J’maine Hopgood, and newcomer Jack Williams in the leadership group for 2025.
“I am incredibly proud and honoured to be named captain,” Moses said on Thursday.
“This club means so much to me, and it’s a privilege to lead this group of players. I have great support around me from the leadership group and coaching staff, and I can’t wait to start the season with them in a few weeks.”
Moses joined the club in 2017 and has grown into one of the stars of the game across the past few seasons.
His 2024 season was interrupted by injury as the club struggled through one of their toughest on the field without his leadership, narrowly avoiding the wooden spoon.
Mitchell Moses takes over the captaincy from Clint Gutherson. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images
New Zealand international star
Dylan Brown captained the Eels alongside Paulo at various stages last season as suspensions and injury ripped through the team.
The star five-eighth has also been overlooked for the top job amid speculation about his future at the club beyond the end of this season thank to exit clauses embedded within his lengthy contract.
It’s a deliberate ploy from Ryles to install some stability within the squad following a significant roster turnover leading into his first season as head coach.
“Mitch has shown strong leadership qualities both on and off the field, and I believe he is ready to lead our club into the future,” he said.
“With the support of our leadership group, I’m confident he will continue to grow as a leader.”
Eels chief executive Jim Sarantinos said: “Mitch has been an outstanding player for our club, and we are thrilled to see him step into the role of captain. Mitch’s appointment is an important moment for the club as we move into an exciting new era for our football program.”
The Eels kick off the 2025 season against Melbourne at AAMI Park on March 9.
