Moses Mbye is relishing the prospect of forging a powerful partnership from the back with Kieran Foran after making a promising start to his positional switch to fullback.
Mbye chimed in nicely on several occasions and nearly scored after a Foran pass as the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs registered a 16-12 trial win over the Canberra Raiders on the Sunshine Coast.
While he only played the first half, Mbye appeared to embrace his switch from the halves and said it would suit him. The direct style of play Foran showcases should set Mbye free if he can loom up in support.
“Everyone knows how tough Foz [Kieran Foran] is and how he plays straight. He’s going to be priceless for a side like ours with a big forward pack around him,” Mbye told NRL.com.
“If I can spend some time with him and form a good combination, that will help us become a successful side.
“Everyone knows how vital time is together. Cronk, Smith and Slater spent 15 years together and look what it did for Melbourne.
“I’m enjoying having the freedom and a bit more space at the back, and the style of footy (coach) Dean Pay wants us to play is pretty exciting.
“I think fullback suits my running game and getting to bring those skills and attributes into the game will be better for my style of play.”
Bulldogs centre Josh Morris was looking forward to the extra punch Mbye would provide from the back field.
“We’ve seen his ball playing abilities but now he’s got an option to roam around and bringing back those kick returns with the pace he has he can certainly make some line breaks and start our sets off really well,” Morris said.
“There is a lot more running involved at fullback, and he has done a lot more running in the pre-season, but he seems to have enjoyed it.
“I thought our spine played really well. Moses played well, Kieran Foran directed us around and Michael Lichaa set up a try and scored one so they were good signs moving forward.”