The Parramatta Eels have welcomed new recruit Mitchell Moses to their training facilities this morning, with the new Blue & Gold squad member controlling proceedings on the training paddock.
Blue & Gold co-captain Tim Mannah says Moses has slotted in well to the side, however it was not surprising.
“He slotted in really well today and has brought a lot of energy and has picked up all the plays and everything really quickly. We expected that, he is a professional and it is business as usual now,” Mannah said of Moses.
“I like to think we have a good environment at this place, we really enjoy our training and Brad and the coaching staff have created a healthy place to be at. We like being here and he is obviously a really good addition to have.
“The good players don’t struggle too much with that stuff [controlling the team around the park]. He has slotted in so smoothly today, and it is like he has been here a long time so it’s a credit to him,” Mannah added.
The signing of Moses comes at a good time for the Eels, with Corey Norman ruled out through injury until Round 17, and Mannah says that the addition of Moses to the side will benefit the entire line up.
The new half looked at home, taking control of the team during his first training session in the new colours.
“I don’t know how hard he has been finding it the last few weeks, he obviously would have been a bit frustrated with the circumstances, but all I can judge him on is how he was looking today and he looked really good,” Mannah said.
“The timing has worked out really well, with Corey injured this week, it is nice for him to be able to slot in the team.”
“Everyone knows how important Corey is to our team, and that’s the pleasing part of having somebody like Mitch in the side now so we don’t have to lean too much on one person.” Mannah added.
“Mitch can now take a bit of the reins and have a bit more ownership of the team as well.”
“Mitch came out from the get go and was pretty dominant in terms of taking control of the team and that’s what you expect from a player like that and he did a really good job in doing that.”
Mannah said the side is disappointed and embarrassed with their performance against the Roosters last week and was determined to make up for it this week in their clash against the Canberra Raiders at ANZ Stadium.
“We are obviously still disappointed with how we played last week so whether Mitch was in the team or not, we obviously have to aim up this week,” Mannah said.
“We were really embarrassed with our performance on the weekend and games like that, you wish you could go out and play the next day to make up for it.”
“It’s hard to put a finger on it, but we lacked a bit of intent in our defence and that kind of filtered through the rest of our game.” Mannah added.
“They are obviously a really good pack as well, and probably in the same position as us, that they want to come out firing, and I think it will be a really good game for fans to get down to ANZ Stadium and watch because we are hoping it is going to be some pretty good entertainment.”
The Eels take on the Canberra Raiders at ANZ Stadium on Saturday 20 May for Round 11 of the NRL Telstra Premiership, kick off at 7:30pm. Click through to purchase tickets to the clash.
