In a significant development for the Parramatta Eels, Mitchell Moses has been appointed as the new team captain, succeeding Clint Gutherson, who has transferred to the Dragons. This leadership change comes as the Eels embark on a new chapter under rookie coach Jason Ryles, aiming to revitalize the team’s performance following a challenging 2024 season.
Moses, who has been a pivotal playmaker for the Eels since joining in 2017, expressed his honor at being entrusted with the captaincy. He has been recognized for his leadership both on and off the field, particularly after overcoming injuries last season and leading the Blues to an Origin victory. Supporting Moses in his leadership role are key players such as Junior Paulo, J’maine Hopgood, and new recruit Jack Williams. The club’s management and stakeholders have shown confidence in Moses’s ability to lead, with hopes of retaining five-eighth Dylan Brown to strengthen the team’s core.
In a related development, former Eels star Jarryd Hayne has made a return to rugby league after a six-year hiatus. Hayne participated in the 2025 Nines Premier League tournament for United SC, marking his first on-field appearance since 2018. Despite concerns over a recent hamstring injury, the 36-year-old managed to play, though observers noted he was not in his prime ‘Hayne Plane’ form. His team, featuring other former NRL players like Andrew and David Fifita and Ben Barba, reached the semi-finals before being eliminated. Hayne expressed gratitude for the opportunity to reconnect with former teammates and reflected positively on his return.
Hayne’s comeback follows a period of legal challenges, including serving two years in prison and winning an appeal against a sexual assault conviction. Prior to his on-field return, he had been involved with the Fiji coaching staff as a mentor for the Pacific Championships, marking his re-entry into the rugby league community. His potential return to the NRL has been a topic of speculation, with discussions about him possibly joining the Wentworthville Magpies, which could pave the way for a comeback with the Parramatta Eels.
The simultaneous developments of Moses’s elevation to captaincy and Hayne’s return to the sport have generated significant interest among fans and analysts. Moses’s leadership is anticipated to usher in a new era for the Eels, focusing on revitalizing the team’s performance and fostering a culture of resilience and determination. Meanwhile, Hayne’s return adds a layer of intrigue, as observers watch to see how his experience and skills might influence the broader rugby league landscape.
