Mitch Moses has officially committed his future to the Parramatta Eels, signing a new, five-year contract extension which will see him remain at the club until the end of the 2029 NRL season. The announcement of this contract has been met with excitement from fans and club officials alike, as it marks another chapter in the career of one of the league's standout players.
The new deal, announced on Friday, removes all previous clauses from his contract, including any options for early exit, solidifying Moses's role as the Eels' captain and pivotal player. Moses, who has been with the Eels since mid-2017, is regarded as one of the top halfbacks globally and has showcased consistent performance, most remarkably during the 2024 State of Origin series.
"Mitch has been in consistently good form for many years now but none likely as impressive as 2024," stated Mark O’Neill, the Eels’ general manager of football. He highlighted how Moses's performance during the Origin revealed his capabilities at the highest competitive levels, stating, "The way he performed in Origin last year was outstanding and proved he belongs in such arenas. Being recently appointed captain continues the evolution of his development and is a very proud moment for him, his family, and our club."
Moses's new contract upgrades his remuneration to approximately $1.3 million per season, making him the highest-paid player currently active in the NRL. The five-year extension was signed amid tumultuous discussions around the future of his halves partner, Dylan Brown, who is potentially facing poaching threats from other clubs due to clauses available for his contract extension.
Upon signing the deal, Eels CEO Jim Sarantinos emphasized the importance of Moses's long-term commitment, underscoring the relationship it builds within the club. "This is him showing faith in the direction the club is going," he said, assured of Moses's loyalty to the team's future. Sarantinos noted this commitment as pivotal for strengthening the foundation of the Eels.
Moses's re-signing also reflects broader changes at the Eels, particularly under recent coaching modifications. Rookie coach Jason Ryles has successfully convinced Moses of the club's bright future, allowing the leadership to now focus on matters concerning Brown, who has significant potential offers on the table from rival teams.
Reports indicate Brown is considering a substantial 10-year deal valued around $13 million from the Newcastle Knights, which complicates his standing with the Eels. His existing contract with Parramatta, running until 2031, includes options to exit after the 2026 season, prompting uncertainty about his future. O’Neill acknowledged the club's intent on ensuring Brown stays but recognized the challenges posed by lucrative rival offers.
Despite this backdrop of potential player movements and contract negotiations, Eels fans can draw comfort from the assurance provided by Moses’s long-term commitment. His consistency and growth as both player and captain lay down strategic plans for the club to build around him.
Following the news, teammates and several figures within the Eels community expressed their enthusiasm over Moses's re-signing. "He’s a competitor and he wears his heart on his sleeve," said new teammate Zac Lomax. He went on to praise Moses's emotional investment and competitive drive which significantly contribute to the team's dynamics.
New chair Matthew Beach has also indicated the club's strategy moving forward, clearly stating during fan forums the intention to eliminate player options from future contracts. This marks a notable shift for the Eels, providing clarity around their business dealings and future restrictions on player movements.
“We haven’t entered any player contract with options for about two years. That’s going to continue,” Beach explained, as the club aims to create more stable, long-term relationships with its players.
The focus now shifts to Brown's decision-making process, as Moses’s re-signing adds pressure to any contract negotiations for other key players. Brown's deliberations will be closely watched, particularly against the backdrop of substantial offers he is receiving from other clubs.
Overall, Moses’s re-signing is seen as a significant milestone for the Parramatta Eels, not only lock him down for the foreseeable future but also as part of re-establishing the Eels' competitive edge within the NRL. The Eels community is now left to ponder the potential outcomes for Brown as they embrace the certainty provided by Moses's extended tenure.
This shift could very well lay the groundwork for sustained success for the Eels, should they manage to retain Brown alongside their captain, establishing strong synergy within the team for the seasons to come.