The Dyldam Parramatta Eels are excited to bring our first interview with our new 2014 recruit Lee Mossop, who joins the Blue and Gold from the European Super League.
Mossop landed in Australia last night, and came straight into the club office this morning to meet his teammates, coaches and other staff - a change he has been looking forward to.
“I’d been at Wigan wince I was 16, so almost eight years, and it was a perfect time to leave after winning the premiership there,” Mossop said.
“And when the approach came from Parramatta, the way the club’s building and going to better places, it was something I was really excited to be a part of and it’ll be a big challenge.”
The 103kg prop will spend the next few months recovering from shoulder surgery, but is hoping to be fighting fit to take the field in Round 10.
“I had a shoulder injury in 2011 which I played with for two years, and I could have played with again this year without having the surgery,” Mossop said.
“But I spoke with Brad [Arthur] and Football General Manager Daniel [Anderson], and we all agreed that I wanted to come over here and play at my full potential which I thought was important.”
“The big thing for me is I’m hoping to be with Parramatta for the long-term, and I thought it’d be better to have the surgery before I start and get that fixed up and go into the season all guns blazing and hopefully give it my best shot.”
Mossop has had a very successful past 12 months, winning the Super League title with Wigan Warriors, representing England in the Rugby League World Cup, and also getting married to his long-term partner Chloe.
“I’ll struggle to top 2013, but hopefully I can have a positive season with Parramatta, get back to being fit and meet my Parramatta teammates,” he said.
“It’d be great to earn some silverware, but I’m just looking to earn my stripes.”
The 25 year old is excited about his new surroundings in the warm weather of Sydney, and says he’s especially eager to meet the Blue and Gold Army, which has already welcomed him with open arms.
“I’ve come from a background at Wigan where we’ve got loyal fans who are as mad as anything, and Parramatta fans are no different,” he said.
“I’ve spoken to a lot of them on Twitter already, and hopefully if I can be fit by Round 10 then fingers crossed they’ll see the best football out of me as well.”
Click here to join the Parramatta Eels as a Member for 2014 today!
