Parramatta playmaker Mitchell Moses ended months of speculation over his future only hours before the
grand final rematch on Thursday night,
agreeing to a lucrative contract extension that will likely see him finish his career in the blue and gold.
Moses never wanted to leave the Eels but confirmation of his stay took longer than many expected as he and his agent Isaac Moses mulled over a rival bid from the Wests Tigers.
The final deal included an upgrade in 2024 and an extension for the four years after that. All told, Moses is expected to earn in the vicinity of $6 million, although it is believed he left as much as $1 million on the table by turning down the Tigers, the club where he made his first grade debut nearly a decade ago.
Mitchell Moses is set to finish his career at the Parramatta Eels, after signing a lucrative contract extension. Picture: NRL Photos.
News Corp understands that Moses’ camp reached an agreement with the Eels late on Thursday, whereupon they informed the Tigers that he would be remaining at Parramatta.
His decision to remain at the Eels until at least the end of 2028 is a huge boost for a Parramatta side that lost its opening three games to begin the season.
The Eels were always favourites to keep their key playmaker, but his decision to stay will be a relief nonetheless given the Tigers had thrown the kitchen sink at Moses in an attempt to convince him to work under Tim Sheens, Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah.
They were always facing an uphill battle to lure Moses back to the club but they did their level best. Sources close to the talks insist that his decision should not be seen as a reflection on the Tigers, who have made it known that they would chase the best players in the game as they looked to build a side capable of challenging for the premiership.
Rather, it is a sign of how tied he is to Parramatta, having joined the club midway through the 2017 season and become one of the best playmakers in the NRL.
Moses turned down millions by choosing Parramatta over the Wests Tigers. Picture: Jonathan Ng
No player had more try assists last season than Moses, who led the Eels to the grand final only for the club to fall at the last hurdle to Penrith. That premiership run only strengthened his bond with his teammates and the club, and Moses made it clear from the start that he was emotionally tied to the Eels.
That connection was eventually too hard to sever. His decision to stay means that Parramatta have now locked in their halves on long-term deals –
five-eighth Dylan Brown signed a long-term contract with Parramatta over the off-season.
The Tigers, meanwhile, will turn their attention to other targets as they look to provide Sheens and Marshall with the artillery to challenge for a title.
