Al-anwar Newspaper English news in Australia
He is the Balmain legend who will always hold an abiding love for his Wests Tigers.
But Ben Elias has a strong message for his nephew and Tigers target Mitchell Moses: “If you’re happy at Parramatta then re-sign.”
Moses, 28, comes off contract after next season and is wrestling with massive interest — all worth more than $1 million a season — from Parramatta, the Tigers and Canterbury.
The Bulldogs are also interested in off-contract Penrith centre Stephen Crichton, who the Panthers are trying to re-sign now that Origin winger Brian To’o has been retained until the end of 2027.
Like Parramatta, Penrith are battling an incredibly tight salary cap but still hope to make a respectable offer to Crichton, who is being courted to play fullback at Canterbury.
The Bulldogs may find it challenging to squeeze both Moses and Crichton under their burgeoning cap, as they also look to upgrade five-eighth Matt Burton’s contract.
While the Tigers remain keen on Moses, it goes against Elias’s black-and-gold heart to admit his nephew should remain an Eel.
“My belief has always been that you stay somewhere where you’re happy and life couldn’t be any better for Mitch. Sometimes you have to put family and blood over club loyalty,” Elias said.
“I totally understand Mitch’s dilemma and his frustration over what to do but he’s happy then he should stay.
“Parramatta are a great side so you’re comparing a grand final side with a team (Wests Tigers) that got the wooden spoon. It’s a long year when you’re struggling, trust me so if you’re happy and you know it clap your hands.
“Selfishly I’d love him to come to the Tigers – a club that will always be in my heart – but if you’re after satisfaction and happiness then why shift clubs?
“What’s the saying? Better the devil you know.
“The Eels have been very good to Mitch so I reckon they’re the favourites. Parramatta is desperate to keep him and he wants to win a premiership.
“I get asked every day where Mitchell is going and, it’s only my opinion, but if he’s content, why move? Mitch loves Parramatta.
“Ever since I’ve known Mitch’s father (John), he has been a tragic Parramatta supporter. Those little things help make your decision.”
Moses has also attracted considerable interest from the Queensland-based Dolphins.
With a young family and now happily settled in Sydney’s inner-west, it appears increasingly unlikely Moses would uproot his life for Redcliffe.
“Mitch hasn’t told me whether Gus (Phil Gould, Canterbury general manager of football) has contacted him but I know he is settled in Sydney and won’t leave,” Elias said.
“Any side that doesn’t have a halfback would want Mitchell Moses. Why wouldn’t you? Mitchell speaks well, he’s a great ambassador and a crowd-pleaser.
