Compromise! Mat Rogers’ declare: Mitchell Moses is a better No.7 for the Australian Kangaroos_ than Nathan Cleary” given bold examples of the both dangerous quality_Mat said..

Compromise! Mat Rogers’ declare: Mitchell Moses is a better No.7 for the Australian Kangaroos_ than Nathan Cleary” given bold examples of the both dangerous quality_Mat said..

 

Australia’s dual-code great Mat Rogers has made a bold claim: he believes Mitchell Moses is the superior option at halfback (the No. 7 jersey) for the Kangaroos ahead of the upcoming Ashes series.

The assertion

Speaking on SEN radio, Rogers said:

> “I like Mitch Moses as a halfback better than I like Nathan Cleary as a halfback … I’m a huge Nathan Cleary fan … I just think Mitchell Moses is a better halfback than him.”

Rogers went on to outline the reasons behind his claim: Moses’s kicking game, his running game, his ability to influence at elite level, and his composure in big moments.

Context: No. 7 race for the Kangaroos

The Kangaroos squad for the Ashes tour to England features both Cleary and Moses, with the No. 7 jersey still up for grabs.

Cleary, widely recognised as one of the game’s premier halfbacks, has multiple premierships and significant international experience under his belt. Moses, meanwhile, has earned strong form and now finds himself in contention as a genuine alternative.

Rogers emphasised that selection should not simply default to name or reputation, but the best form and game impact.

> “This is not an every-player-gets-a-prize situation, this is you pick the best man.”

Why Rogers is backing Moses

Rogers’ reasoning can be broken down into a few key pillars:

Kicking game: Moses is credited by Rogers with a better range and execution of kicks than Cleary. The ability to pin opponents deep or shift momentum via precise kicking is seen as vital at Test level.

Running game and impact: Moses’s running from halfback, breaking lines or creating opportunities, caught Rogers’ eye. He argues that Moses creates something out of nothing more often.

Elite level contribution: Rogers referenced Moses’s performances at State of Origin level and his influence even when at a club that may not always have been firing. He suggests that Moses steps up under pressure.

Form and momentum: With the Kangaroos tour approaching, Rogers believes that picking the “in-form” player is the right call rather than relying purely on past reputation.

The counterpoint: Cleary’s credentials

To be fair, Nathan Cleary remains a compelling candidate for the No. 7 jersey. He boasts:

Multiple NRL premierships.

International and Origin experience.

A proven ability to control tempo and perform in big matches.

Rogers himself states that he is a “huge Nathan Cleary fan” and doesn’t “hate” him.
Thus, while Rogers backs Moses, he acknowledges the high calibre of Cleary.

What this means for selection and the Ashes tour

The Kangaroos’ coaching staff now have a selection dilemma: go with the tried-and-true Cleary, or shift their faith to Moses, who Rogers claims is better suited to the role in the current moment.

Given the intensity of the upcoming tour of England — with travel, back-to-back Tests and high stakes — the halfback role becomes critical. A player who can handle pressure, steer the team, kick effectively and run threateningly is what the Kangaroos will want.

Rogers’ intervention adds weight to the debate and might influence public and media expectation, if not the selectors’ decision directly.

How Moses stacks up vs. Cleary in recent form

While detailed stats comparison isn’t fully provided in Rogers’ comments, key talking points emerge:

Moses has had a strong finish to his club season, elevated by a coach making bold changes (according to Rogers).

Cleary continues to perform at a high level, but Rogers suggests Moses offers something extra in the areas of running and kicking.

The argument boils down to versatility and impact: Moses is portrayed as more dynamic, while Cleary is dependable and proven.

The bigger picture: what it says about Australian halfbacks

Rogers’ claim goes beyond just naming a favourite — it underscores a shift in mindset. It suggests that:

Selection should reward current form and game-impact, not just reputation.

Modern halfbacks need to offer more than just passing and organising: running, kicking, vision under pressure count as ever.

The Kangaroos are looking at versatility, adaptability and match-winning capacity when choosing their No. 7.

Potential implications and what to watch

If Moses is selected at No. 7 for the Kangaroos, it will mark a clear endorsement of Rogers’ viewpoint and signal a new direction.

If Cleary retains the jersey, it will affirm the value placed on experience and past success.

Regardless of who gets the nod, the competition itself raises the standard.

For fans and pundits, watching how each player prepares and performs in pre-tour fixtures (including the Prime Minister’s XIII game) will offer clues. For instance, Moses has been called up to the PM’s XIII squad ahead of the tour.

Final word

Mat Rogers’ declaration that Mitchell Moses is a better halfback for the Kangaroos than Nathan Cleary is provocative — but not baseless. He backs his assessment with specific attributes and current form. Whether the Kangaroos’ selectors agree remains to be seen. What is certain is that this debate adds extra intrigue to the halfback selection for the upcoming Ashes tour, and signals that the No. 7 jersey is anyone’s game — provided they can show the complete package when it matters.

It will be fascinating to see how the decision plays out and whether Moses can seize this opportunity to become the next long-term No. 7 for Australia.