The following scenario will sum up just how crazy the funny old game we known as Rugby League really can be.
Try to stay with me here, it's going to sound like I'm making this up, but sadly, it is true.
Current Wests Tigers five-eighth Mitchell Moses, who has signed to play for the Parramatta Eels next season, will this Monday represent the Tigers as they play the Eels. The current Tigers could very well be a Tiger by Tuesday morning, and the future Eel doesn't really want to play the Eels, in what will likely be his last game for the Tigers.
Insanity!
It doesn't matter for a second just who Mitchell Moses will be playing for come Tuesday morning, as until at least Monday evening, he will represent the Tigers. His only focus this week should be on the Wests Tigers and continuing to build on their impressive last up win over the Cowboys.
If events unfold how they are expected to, he can then shift to forming an exciting halves partnership with Corey Norman while looking to guide his new blue and gold side to finals footy.
Not only should Moses be focusing on representing the Tigers on Monday afternoon, he should be focused on tearing his next club, the Eels, to shreds in the process.
Given that Moses has inked what has been reported to be a contract worth nearly a million dollars a season, he should be tearing sides the quality of the Eels apart.
With all due respect to the Eels, they were played off the park by an inconsistent Warriors side last week. Their recent run of results has been uninspiring and has the club looking for answers.
They have outlaid a reported massive contract to bring junior Mitch Moses back to his local club and help Corey Norman guide the side around. To beat out the Tigers, and possibly the Bulldogs, the Eels had to step up and offer big money.
Whether or not Moses is worth the money being reported, and it should be stressed these are reports and may be way off the actual deal signed, is up for debate. Someone earning nearly a million a season, or anywhere near if for that matter, should make Eels defenders look silly.
Eels fans are in a strange situation this weekend. On one hand, they want Moses to turn in a shocker as he is one of the Tigers most important players. If he can't fire, the Eels are in a better position to achieve victory.
On the other hand, if Moses can't leave a big mark on the Eels, fans of the club will ask how they can expect Moses to lead their side against the likes of the Broncos, Sharks and Storm.
I honestly can't believe that in this day and age, this is even being discussed. Do contracts mean so little now that on Monday morning a half can be planning the downfall of a side, only on Tuesday morning to be representing that very same side he tried to bring down just 24 hours prior.
I fully understand Mitch Moses may be looking ahead, but as a professional footballer, he should not have any trouble suiting up for one last time for the side who gave him so much. The Tigers paved the way for his development and turned him into the player that has enabled him to attract a multi-million dollar deal.
There should be no "forcing". The Tigers have every right to expect a player they pay to represent the club. They'd be within their right to expect Moses to play each and every game for the rest of the season.
He's not an Eel yet.
For a million a season, he should be all over the club he'll likely join in the coming days.
It's a strange old game this Rugby League. I wouldn't have it any other way though.
Latrell Mitchell is still a future superstar
I was sad to hear that Latrell Mitchell had been "rested" for the club's upcoming clash with the Knights, and not just as I had the Roosters youngster in my Supercoach side and outside backs often have a field day against their Knights opposites.
I'm a huge fan of the Roosters centre and loved watching him tear sides apart earlier in the season.
Michael Gordon's arrival saw Mitchell shift into the outside backs, and his incredible form could see his contract extended. Gordon has added plenty to the tri-colours attack and there are few who could begrudge the former Panther, Shark and Origin player another year.
Mitchell is the long-term number one at Bondi, nd has much to learn, but I can still see his stint in the centres being a successful one.
Trent Robinson is a good coach. A successful coach. He knows how to get the most out of his players. He obviously sees his young attacking weapon struggling and has decided a break from competitive football is best for development.
I expect Mitchell to bounce back in a big way. He's a freakish talent.
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