Mbye no closer to solving mystery illness

The cause of the anaphylactic shock that nearly claimed Moses Mbye's life remains a mystery for the Wests Tigers captain.

Five days before Origin II in Perth and Mbye is gasping for breath before collapsing in the Queensland team hotel. He played the June 23 game and then had a series of tests back in Sydney.

"I've done all the bloods but because it was a near-miss, there's other stuff to test too [in his body]," Mbye said after helping to launch Fox League's 'Retro Round'.

"Honestly I still don't know if it was something I ingested. It takes about eight weeks and I had the tests a couple of days before [Origin] game three [July 10].

"So I should know soon."

The scare has not made the 25-year-old father of two more cautious about what he eats.

"Not at all. It didn't happen in 25 years so I've been doing pretty much what I've always done - it's just one of those things – weird."

What's not alien to Mbye is playing finals footy. He played in three finals series in his four years at the Bulldogs, and fell agonisingly short – ninth – last year in his first with the Tigers.

They are in eighth spot now and want to remain planted in the top-eight so they can end a seven-year absence from finals.

"It's certainly been spoken about. You acknowledge it because it's why you play footy," Mbye said, in a refreshingly honest appraisal. Most players talk about looking only at the week ahead.

"It's been a while. The club hasn't been involved in finals footy since 2011. So everyone is pretty thirsty to have a crack at September and give something for our fans to cheer about – they've been pretty loyal.

"You've got to give them back something, for the Tigers brand too, and especially for our playing group.

"It's something we really want to do and we know we can do it."

In their way this week are the stubborn Bulldogs, who upset Penrith last weekend and have no intention of showing any favours to former teammate Mbye when they face off on Saturday night at ANZ Stadium.

Mbye has played his old club twice since switching to Concord Oval from Belmore mid-2018 – and hasn't won yet a match yet.

"They're a quality side and if you look at their games this year, seven games were lost by eight points or less. They are a very competitive bunch and that's what the club prides itself on," Mbye said.

"I still watch their games closely. I've got a lot of respect for that club. Some of the people there have been a huge influence on my life. It's been a huge part of my life. I've got married and become a dad while at the club; played in a grand final [2014]; seen three coaches and four or five CEOs come and go.

"I've got a lot of time for the Bulldogs and certainly won't forget what they've done for me."

He played No.9 in the 2014 decider but will be in the centres for the 2019 campaign.

"I'm really enjoying it and didn't ever think that was ahead for me this season," Mbye said.

"It's been fun and I've played pretty much every position now, which is a good way to keep learning about the game – gives me different perspectives from different angles on the field.

"It's another string to my bow and as long as I'm playing it well I'm happy to play at centre."

He gives a lot of credit for the current learning curve to coach Michael Maguire.

"There's a lot that goes into Madge but what speaks to me is certainly his leadership," he said.

"He has the ability to give and take the tough conversations. He treats his men like men and that's important. Doing that gives the ability to communicate in the clearest way possible."