The attribute that Trent Barrett most underestimated in NSW halfback Mitchell Moses before joining the Eels coaching staff this season was his defence.
Lebanon coach Michael Cheika, who had charge of Moses at last year’s World Cup, also nominates defence as an under-rated quality in the Cedars captain’s game.
Moses is often lauded for his general play kicking, ball running and speed, but it was a defensive play in Monday’s match against the Bulldogs that confirmed his spot for Origin II.
Canterbury second-rower Jacob Preston picked up a loose ball and raced 40 metres, only to be cut down in a text book cover tackle by Moses.
While there had been much speculation about who would replace Nathan Cleary, for those who had coached Moses, including NSW mentor Brad Fittler, there was little doubt.
“I think Mitch’s defence is something that goes under the radar a little bit,” said Barrett, who played 11 Origins for the Blues in the halves and 15 Tests for Australia
“He is a very good defender and defends in a tough, physical spot on the field.
“He is one of our better defenders so that and his kicking game will really suit NSW, and I am looking forward to seeing him go and play well.”
Moses cover tackle superb
Cheika, who hopes to watch Moses play in Origin III while in Sydney with the Argentina rugby union team, also praised his defence when he spoke to NRL.com from Buenos Aires.
“He is a great defender and I understand why everyone focuses on his kicking, but Mitch’s defence is just as big a part of his game,” the former Wallabies coach said.
“The defensive part of the game is important because that connects the transitions together of your team, and that is where he is very strong.”
Barrett, who had plotted against Moses at Canterbury, Penrith and Manly, said he wasn’t aware of how good his defence was until joining the Eels coaching staff.
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“I think [Eels coach] Brad Arthur has worked really hard with him and done a great job with his defence over the past few years,” Barrett said.
“He is one of our best defenders and that is something at Origin level he needs to be.
“I probably didn’t realise how good a defender he was and that is where you get your respect as a halfback. He certainly does that at Parramatta and he will do that again next week.
“I think he is pretty underrated in that area. We all know he can do the other stuff but a lot of people don’t watch him defend or see the things he does off the ball.”
By his own admission, defence wasn’t a focus for Moses before joining the Eels from Wests Tigers in 2017.
During the seven seasons since, Arthur has instilled discipline and structure in Moses’ game and his chase down of Preston was an example of the effort he expects from his playmakers.
“Brad has pretty much changed the way I play,” Moses said. “I would pretty much go out there with no game plan at all and just try to do whatever and hope I pulled it off.
“That's how I played my footy as a junior and coming through but he taught me to slow down and he pretty much taught me how to play in the half back role, I guess, and control games.”
Moses also cites Immortal Andrew Johns, who was a specialist coach at Parramatta, and Barrett as other influences on his game.
“Having Baz there this year has been massive for me,” he said. “I think he's brought a lot of calmness in my game. He’s a real calm bloke and when we have chats, I feel like I get a lot out of that so I will definitely be in contact with him this week.”
Those close to Moses believe the birth of daughter Aspyn in the lead up to last year’s grand final has also helped him mature, and while he has ambitions of playing for Australia he led Lebanon to a World Cup quarter-final against the Kangaroos.
With five-eighth Adam Doueihi sent off in the opening game against New Zealand and suspended, Moses had to work with rookie playmaker Khaled Rajab to ensure the Cedars overcame an aggressive Ireland side before accounting for Jamaica.
The best of Moses and Doueihi
“He is a good leader and I think it is super important in a guy who is going to be directing and having people counting on him to have good communication,” Cheika said.
“I think that he has grown into leadership and we spoke a lot on the trip about the big games and how to approach them.
“I didn’t know him a lot before the World Cup but I feel like he has got an open mind on how he wants to play the game and he has got a very positive mindset.
“When I have conversations with him here and there, he seems really balanced within himself, he knows exactly what he can do, and he is not trying to be anyone else - he is just trying to be himself.
“When you have got Mitch firing at his best, and not just with the ball, he is very good, and I am looking forward to watching him play next Wednesday.”
Barrett said the enormity of being thrust into a must win Origin encounter at Suncorp Stadium would not be an issue for Moses, who he believes is yet to reach his peak.
“He plays on the ball for us and he handles that right edge for us, similar to what Nathan does. That will help with his combination with Jarome Luai," Barrett said.
“Mitch’s biggest strength is probably his run. He is extremely fast and he is playing through teams at the moment, and not trying to finesse his way around them.
“That is what he is going to do next week, and he has been doing that really well for us at Parramatta.
“He is an out and out halfback so generally they are cheeky and very confident, and that is Mitch to a tee. The occasion or pressure won’t get to him, he is a confident kid and he has done the work.
“He has played a lot of footy now, he has played in some big games, he played in the grand final last year. I still think his best footy is in front of him, but this is a really good test for him and I think he is ready for it.
“Halfbacks rely on a lot going well around them, particularly the forward pack, but I think with his kicking game, and his defence, and his running game, Mitch can trouble Queensland.”