In a significant move ahead of the 2025 NRL season, the Parramatta Eels have appointed Mitchell Moses as their new captain, following the departure of former skipper Clint Gutherson to the St. George Illawarra Dragons. This leadership change marks the beginning of a new era under rookie coach Jason Ryles, who is determined to revitalize the team after a challenging 2024 season.
Moses, who has been a pivotal figure for the Eels since joining in 2017, expressed his honor in taking on the captaincy role. He stated, “It’s really tough. He’s one of my best mates and it’s sad to see how it happened and how it ended. It’s rugby league, and I think he understands that. Everyone understands it.”
The 30-year-old halfback has been instrumental in the team’s performance, leading the Blues to an Origin victory and overcoming personal injuries during the previous season. His leadership qualities, both on and off the field, have been widely recognized, making him a natural choice for the captaincy. Moses will be supported by a leadership group that includes Junior Paulo, J’maine Hopgood, and new recruit Jack Williams.
In May 2023, Moses extended his contract with the Eels until at least the end of the 2026 season, with an option for a further two years until 2028. He expressed his excitement about securing his future with the club, stating, “We have a great bunch of boys at Parramatta and I love working with Brad and our coaching staff. I’ve been an Eels supporter since I was a kid, so this feels special.”
Recent reports indicate that the Eels are working with Moses to remove certain clauses from his contract that would allow him to leave after the 2027 or 2028 seasons. If successful, this move could see Moses play out the remainder of his career with the Eels, further solidifying his commitment to the club.
The appointment of Moses as captain and his long-term commitment to the Eels are seen as positive steps toward building a strong and competitive team for the upcoming seasons. With the support of the club’s management and stakeholders, there is optimism that the Eels can achieve significant success under Moses’s leadership.
