Dyldam Parramatta Eels forward Tepai Moeroa has revealed just how tough the business of player transfers is in rugby league, when players move on to other clubs.
The Blue and Gold second-rower has spoken about just how tight-knit the Eels players are, with speculation around prop Junior Paulo requesting an early release to Canberra.
“It’s never easy when news like that comes out,” Moeroa said.
“When Peatsy [Nathan Peats] left, everyone was just broken, and if what they’re saying about Junior potentially going, that’s another brother gone.”
“[Things like this] makes our bond stronger, the only difference is they’re going to another club.”
“At the end of the day, we’re still brothers and we’ll just have to meet up whenever you’ve got a bye.”
Tepai said he’s eager to head to Newcastle on Monday night, with the side chasing a win after two losses.
“We’ve gone down twice since the salary cap drama, and we just need to find a way to win and do it this week,” he said.
“Since the whole [salary cap] drama we’ve lost both games and it’s just not the same feeling to when you get a win - and it’s just that much sweeter when you get a win with the drama going on.”
Despite external distractions at the club, Moeroa says the playing group is concerned on one thing - this week’s game.
“We just have to take it as one game at a time - if you’re planning in the future then you don’t think about the game coming up and that’s what kills you,” he said.
“So we’re just thinking about his week and hopefully we can win the next 12 from 13.”
