LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Eels coach Jason Ryles has defended halfback Mitchell Moses in response to former NSW coach Phil Gould's assertion that Moses might not work well with Nathan Cleary in the upcoming State of Origin series.
NSW coach Laurie Daley must decide between Moses and Wests Tigers player Jarome Luai for the No.
6 jersey, with Cleary considered a "selection lock." Last year, Moses and Luai were instrumental in winning Games 2 and 3, bringing the shield back to NSW.
Despite being sidelined earlier this season with a foot injury, Moses has returned in strong form.
Some doubt the compatibility of Moses and Cleary, as Gould commented, "I think it's either Cleary and Luai or it's Moses and Luai, which is a big call to make.
I don't attest to the theory that you can play them both - that would be too clunky."
Ryles countered these concerns, stating that Moses is adaptable and eager to represent NSW.
"I think Mitchell (Moses) would be happy to play wherever they put him in a representative team," Ryles mentioned.
He emphasized that representing NSW is significant for Moses, indicating that there shouldn't be any issues with his selection.
Moses notably excelled in Game 2 of the 2024 series and helped secure the series victory at Suncorp Stadium.