PARRADISE AS MOSES
EELS halfback Mitchell Moses missed the birth of his first child yesterday to take the field – and his teammates didn’t let him down with Parramatta on the cusp of snapping its 36-year premiership drought.
The Eels produced a 24-20 boilover in Townsville to end the North Queensland Cowboys’ fairytale season to qualify for their first grand final since 2009 and end the Cowboys’ stunning 2022 resurgence one game short of the decider.
In front of a capacity crowd of 25,372 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, the Eels overcame a spirited North Queensland, who fought back from a refereeing howler in the opening minutes to fall agonisingly short.
The Eels have not tasted premiership success since 1986 and hold claim to the longest title drought in the NRL.
But that could all change at Sydney’s Accor Stadium on Sunday week when they face either Penrith or South Sydney in what promises to be an epic grand final.
HOLY MOSES, THAT’S COMMITMENT
Eels halfback Mitchell Moses made the ultimate sacrifice by missing the birth of his first child on Friday to take the field – and his teammates didn’t let him down.
Moses’ partner Bri Gardoni gave birth about four hours before kickoff, with Moses tuning in via video call.his commitment to the team was inspiring and Moses got the job done in the biggest game of his career.
He uncharacteristically kicked out on the full twice in the space of five minutes, missed a penalty goal and didn’t dominate the game.
But his leadership was enough to steer the Eels home when the game was on the line and his personal sacrifice surely inspired Parramatta.
“It’s been a rollercoaster,” Moses said.
“I lost my grandmother last week and we laid her to rest on Monday. I had to meet my first child over Facetime deadset four hours ago.
“To now play in a grand final next week …”
ARTHUR FINALLY DELIVERS
Eels coach Brad Arthur has been under immense pressure to snap Parramatta’s premiership drought and the heavens have nearly opened.
Arthur went into the game with a 3-7 finals record, having never won
two finals matches in a play-offs series during his eight years in charge of the Eels.
But he is now in his first grand final and has the chance to deliver long-suffering Parramatta fans their first premiership in nearly four decades.
While the job is not done yet, the Eels have been vindicated for standing by Arthur, who has transformed the club into a consistent NRL performer.
Now the final hurdle awaits.
COWBOYS CURSE STRIKES
The Cowboys have a long history with finals officiating controversies like Kieran Foran’s “hand of god” try in 2012 and the infamous seventackle set of 2013.
And it continued last night when The Eels were gifted the first try following a shocking missed forward pass.
The pass from Moses to Isaiah Papali’i was clearly forward but neither referee Grant Atkins or his touch judge spotted it as Will Penisini raced away to open scoring in the seventh minute.
The match seesawed all night with four lead changes as Eels prop Reagan Campbell-gillard (pictured) bagged a double and Parramatta defended their way to victory.
But the match was not without controversy and the Penisini try played a pivotal role in the outcome.
NO FAIRYTALE FINISH
The Cowboys produced one of the most remarkable resurrections in NRL history.
They finished second-last last year but turned it around to narrowly miss a spot in the 2022 grand final.
Coach Todd Payten has done a tremendous job transforming the Cowboys following four consecutive bottom four finishes.
While this pain will linger, the Cowboys should hold their heads high and the future is bright for North Queensland. They have the talent to be a serious premiership contender next year.