From a Ban for a Homophobic Slur to a Wooden Spoon and Grand Final Performance: How Mitchell Moses Went from One of the League’s Most Maligned Halfbacks to Being NSW’s New Saviour
Mitchell Moses’ rugby league journey has been anything but smooth. From early controversy and criticism to leading his club to a grand final and now being hailed as New South Wales’ new State of Origin saviour, the Parramatta Eels halfback’s rise is a story of redemption, resilience, and raw determination.
The story begins in 2015 when a young Moses, then at the Wests Tigers, was handed a two-game suspension for a homophobic slur, an incident that made headlines for all the wrong reasons. It was a moment that could have derailed his career before it truly began. Branded immature and ill-disciplined, Moses faced intense public backlash and was forced to confront the consequences of his words and actions.
In the years that followed, the gifted playmaker struggled to find consistency. His switch to the Parramatta Eels in 2017 was met with skepticism, with critics questioning his temperament and leadership qualities. When Parramatta slumped to a wooden spoon finish in 2018, many pointed the finger at Moses, accusing him of failing to guide the team through adversity. For a time, he became one of the league’s most maligned figures — a player with immense talent but a reputation for crumbling under pressure.
But Moses refused to fold. Behind the scenes, he matured, developed stronger discipline, and took ownership of his role as Parramatta’s chief playmaker. His work ethic and leadership evolved, transforming him from a flashy individualist into a composed, tactical general. The change didn’t happen overnight — it was built through heartbreak, criticism, and self-reflection.
By 2022, Moses had silenced many of his detractors. He led the Eels to their first NRL Grand Final appearance in over a decade, displaying newfound poise and control in clutch moments. Although Parramatta ultimately fell to the Penrith Panthers, Moses’ performances throughout the finals series earned widespread respect. He played through personal tragedy, learning of his grandmother’s passing just days before the preliminary final — yet still guided his side to victory with a display that epitom
