In terms of State of Origin trial matches, one would expect Mitchell Moses to effortlessly dismantle the defense of a team outside the top eight. However, in front of a substantial crowd that includes Blues coach Michael Maguire, Moses faces a unique challenge against Canterbury at Accor Stadium on the King’s birthday.
The Bulldogs currently boast the NRL’s second-best defense, trailing only three-time champions Penrith. This marks a significant improvement under coach Cameron Ciraldo this season, with Canterbury yet to lose a game at home. They have conceded just 193 points (an average of 16 per game) compared to 300 at the same point last season, 321 the year before, and 360 in 2021.
This formidable defensive line faces one of its toughest tests against Parramatta, a team that has dominated their recent encounters with Canterbury, winning eight of their last nine matchups. Mitchell Moses has been pivotal in this success for the Eels.
“Yeah, he’s a quality player, been a good player for a long time,” remarked Ciraldo. “Every time you play against Mitchell Moses, you understand the strengths he brings to their team and it will be no different on Monday.”
Moses, who returned from a long-term foot injury with just one week of training, delivered an exceptional performance against Cronulla last week. His recent form, coupled with Nicho Hynes’s lackluster display in the opening State of Origin game, has reignited speculation about Moses’s potential recall to the Blues squad.
While Moses won’t contend with the defensive prowess of Viliame Kikau, who is sidelined due to injury, the Bulldogs will prioritize neutralizing his impact. Former Parramatta hooker Reed Mahoney, known for his tenacity and ability to unsettle opponents, will lead this defensive effort.
“He just goes out there and competes and sticks up for his teammates,” Ciraldo noted. “I expect him to lead in that regard with energy and effort and all those things that he does really well. It’s exciting for him.”
Mahoney symbolizes the Bulldogs’ newfound resilience and unity, embodying a team ethos of standing firm against larger opponents.
“There was a moment early in the season where our team was getting pushed around,” Ciraldo reflected. “Other teams were taking advantage of us, but we’ve made a stand. We’re going to stand up for each other.”
Monday’s clash promises an intriguing battle between Parramatta’s power-packed middle and Canterbury’s agile, mobile forwards—a matchup that encapsulates the contrasting styles of modern rugby league.
“We’re not too concerned about who lines up against us,” Ciraldo affirmed. “We’ll focus on playing to our strengths and executing our game plan. We’ve been doing well with that lately, and hopefully, we can continue that on Monday.”
Beyond Moses’s audition for a State of Origin berth, Monday’s game also holds significance for Parramatta coach Trent Barrett, who could solidify his interim position with a continued winning streak. Conversely, the Eels’ forthcoming coaching appointment could influence the team’s future strategy, potentially shaping the type of forward pack Moses leads in seasons to come.
