A Hall of Fame halfback says that the Eels are a “15 to 16-point better side” when captain Mitch Moses is in the line up, making him one of the game’s most valuable players.
After steering Parramatta to a shock upset win over the Broncos in his return game from injury, four-time premiership winner Cooper Cronk gushed over Moses’ ability to transform his team’s attack and defence.
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The Eels are sitting in 15th and have only managed six wins this season, but Moses has only played in eight club games in 2025 and given rookie coach Jason Ryles has blooded plenty of young talent, the general feeling is that Parramatta have …
“There’s not too many players in the competition that completely change the chances of their team. Mitch Moses is one of them. They are a 15 to 16 point better team with him at halfback,” Cronk said on Matty and Cronk.
“I think they’re more disciplined defensively because of his communication and in attack, it’s obvious, they are just everywhere they need to be because he’s calling the plays.”
Co-host Matty Johns added: “Geez he’s playing good footy. He’s always been a player who has had that healthy arrogance. The great players got to have that healthy arrogance.”
Cronk is one of the best halfbacks to ever play the game, so he’s well credentialed to breakdown Moses’ game.
Cronk says Moses’ “kicking game has gone to another level”, highlighting two plays from the win over Brisbane to prove it.
In the first play, Moses put in a kick on fifth tackle which was cleaned up by the Broncos. Cronk then showed a play with the Eels in a similar set up attacking the Broncos line.
In this instance, Moses noticed Broncos winger Josiah Karapani up in the line, so the Eels star put up a pinpoint chip kick which was chased by Zac Lomax to score.
“That play is on an absolute dime. What he’s done is that he’s taking mental notes. Next time I’m coming down this side, I’m doing this,” Cronk said.
Another play which was highlighted occurred in the second half, but was again the Eels’ right side setting up for an attack on the Broncos line.
Cronk explains: “He gets the ball and looks and realises that Karapani is sat back now because Lomax is a threat from a kick so Moses goes, ‘you know what, I’m pulling out the other play’, and he hits centre Will Penisini with the out ball and takes advantage of the winger being back.”
Again, Lomax was the beneficiary, scoring in the corner.
“That is the level that every halfback needs to get to. To take mental notes early in the game to then take advantage of it late,” Cronk said.
“You think about how close that game was as well. Mitchell Moses just nailed it as well. Such high footy IQ”
While this team will only go as far as Moses takes them, Johns pointed out another key player that deserves plenty of recognition.
Starting the season with the Warriors, the versatile Dylan Walker was granted an early release by the New Zealand club to return to Sydney and sign with the Eels.
Playing as a ball-playing middle forward, Walker has opened up the Eels’ attack according to Johns.
“Dylan Walker has been an exceptional pick up. When talking about the strain they were under at the start of the year when they couldn’t get their attack going, when Walker arrived from the Warriors, the moment he operated,” Johns said.
“I think he’s been among the best signings this year.”
Cronk then paid Walker the ultimate compliment a lock in today’s game can receive.
“There’s only one Isaah Yeo but I tell you what, Dylan Walker is doing a very good job,” Cronk said.
“He can be a little pass happy in my opinion but this is a guy who played for the Blues and Kangaroos in the centres.
“He’s now moved into the middle of the field and playing his best footy.”
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