Mitchell Moses Admits Eels’ Costly Errors as Youthful Overdrive Nearly Sparks a Major Boilover
Parramatta halfback Mitchell Moses didn’t hide his frustration after the Eels let a winnable match slip through their fingers, conceding that a combination of poor discipline, inexperience, and crucial mistakes paved the way for a painful defeat. What could have been a statement performance instead became a harsh reminder of where the side’s development still needs sharpening.
The Eels entered the clash with energy and ambition, driven in part by the surge of young talent recently injected into the squad. That youthful enthusiasm almost produced a major upset, pushing a more seasoned opponent to the brink. But as Moses acknowledged afterwards, the momentum proved unsustainable once the pressure mounted.
“This one really stings,” he admitted. “We didn’t protect the ball when we had our chances. Opportunities came our way, and we didn’t respect them. Against quality teams, that’s going to hurt you.”
The match featured moments where Parramatta looked ready to break it open—sharp edges, aggressive line speed, and phases in which their improved cohesion was obvious. Yet each promising surge was undermined by what Moses called the team’s “three major mistakes”: handling errors at crucial points, rushed decisions in attacking zones, and lapses in defensive communication.
Those breakdowns repeatedly halted the Eels’ rhythm, allowing their opposition to regain territory and apply scoreboard pressure. Despite this, Moses praised the team’s resolve, arguing that the effort was there even if the execution was not.
“Our young boys came out firing,” he said. “They brought energy, they weren’t intimidated, and they forced the game open. But we let that one get away. The good thing is we’ll take a lot of lessons out of it.”
Coach and players alike will look closely at how to channel that youthful overdrive into controlled aggression rather than rushed play. The raw talent is clear, but the next step is converting competitive stretches into complete performances.
Moses stressed that the Eels are not far off where they want to be—but in the NRL, the margins between promise and victory can be razor-thin.
“We were right in it,” he said. “But at this level, you have to finish. We’ll learn, we’ll grow, and we’ll be better for it.”
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