Eels 18 Roosters 28: The wash-up
If there’s been a knock on Mitchell Moses, it’s that he’s one of the great downhill skiers.
That when things are going well, he’s your man. Less so, when his team is behind.
Things were not going well for him, or for Parramatta, for long periods against the Roosters.
The halfback didn’t shy away from the challenge. Ultimately, he wasn’t able to conjure the big play when the game was on the line, but he couldn’t be accused of going missing.
It won’t be lost on Michael Maguire when the coach names his second NSW team.
If anything, Moses overplayed his hand. In trying to bring his team back into the contest – the Roosters opened a 16-0 lead – the No.7 handled most of the ball. Once Dylan Brown also got his share of the Steeden – the Kiwi international scored a stunning solo try in the second half – the Eels were a more potent threat.
Moses’ performance was superior to that of Nicho Hynes 48 hours earlier, while Cody Walker also deserves to be in any NSW halves debate. As does incumbent Jarome Luai.
“I thought he was good, mate,” said Eels coach Trent Barrett.
“He did some really good things again. I thought the whole team played pretty well.
“Mitch is three games back from his foot [injury]. I think from a State of Origin point of view, I think he’s our best option.”
Blues hopeful Mitchell Moses.Credit: Getty Images
James Tedesco, meanwhile, made it difficult for Maguire to drop him again.
Dylan Edwards, should he get through Sunday’s match unscathed, is likely to belatedly earn a Blues jersey. Should that transpire, it’s not due to a lack of form or effort from Tedesco.
“I’m not sure, there’s not really much I can do,” Tedesco said.
“If Dyl is fit and plays, I think he goes back in, that’s the way I see it. Who knows. Anything can happen, so we’ll see.”
Roosters coach Trent Robinson said selectors know what they will be getting if they select his No.1.
“Ted’s [been] a model for a long, long period of time, he’s been so consistent in that right down to the last tackle, turning up for the try-saver,” Robinson said.
“[He was] super busy, chased kicks, organised the line, high, support, runs the ball
“Ted does what Ted’s known for. So that doesn’t vary much at all.”