Moses Claims Dally M Halfback of the Year Award After Becoming the First Parramatta Eels Player in History
The 2025 Dally M Awards night has produced one of the most memorable moments in Parramatta Eels history. In front of a packed theatre filled with the NRL’s brightest stars, Mitchell Moses etched his name into the record books by becoming the first Parramatta Eels player in history to win the Dally M Halfback of the Year award.
The achievement is not just a personal triumph for Moses but also a watershed moment for the Eels, a club that has been chasing modern recognition to match its proud history. For decades, Parramatta’s greats have gone unrewarded in certain categories at the Dally Ms, but Moses has broken new ground—delivering a powerful reminder of his class, consistency, and leadership on the field.
This feature explores in depth the story of Moses’ rise to this historic achievement, the significance of his win, its impact on Parramatta and the NRL, and what the future may hold for one of rugby league’s most dynamic halfbacks.
A Career of Determination
Mitchell Moses’ path to this award has been anything but straightforward. From his early days at the Wests Tigers, where flashes of brilliance were often overshadowed by inconsistency, to his decision to join Parramatta in 2017, Moses’ journey has been defined by resilience.
When he first arrived at the Eels, critics questioned whether he had the temperament to lead a club under the weight of one of the NRL’s most passionate and demanding fan bases. Parramatta hadn’t lifted a premiership since 1986, and expectations were sky-high. Moses took time to find his footing, but gradually, he grew into the role—not just as a playmaker, but as a leader capable of directing an entire team.
By 2025, Moses had matured into one of the competition’s most well-rounded halfbacks, balancing his natural flair with a newfound discipline. His running game remained sharp, his kicking precision improved year by year, and his ability to control tempo became second to none.
The 2025 Season: A Campaign for the Ages
The Dally M Halfback of the Year award doesn’t just reward raw talent—it celebrates consistency across a grueling season. Moses’ 2025 campaign was a masterclass in halfback play.
Key Highlights
- Game Management: Moses orchestrated the Eels’ attack with a blend of patience and vision. His long kicking game regularly turned opposition around, while his short kicking created tries in clutch moments.
- Clutch Performances: In high-pressure games, Moses delivered. His golden point field goal against the Storm in Round 12 will go down as one of the season’s highlights.
- Try Assists and Line Breaks: Moses ranked among the league leaders in both categories, showcasing his creativity and ability to unlock defenses.
- Leadership: With co-captain Clint Gutherson sidelined for stretches of the season, Moses stepped up as the team’s voice, ensuring the Eels remained competitive even under adversity.
These performances not only put him in contention for the award but also solidified his reputation as the heartbeat of the Parramatta side.
Breaking New Ground for Parramatta
For all of Parramatta’s history and legendary players, the fact that no Eels halfback had previously won this award is telling. From Peter Sterling’s golden era to the stars of the modern age, the Halfback of the Year accolade had always eluded them—until now.
Moses’ achievement therefore carries symbolic weight. It proves that Parramatta, long seen as a club with potential but lacking modern recognition, is producing elite talent that can stand tall on the biggest stage.
Club legends were quick to celebrate the milestone. Former greats noted that Moses’ award was not just personal but also a reward for the faith the Eels showed in him during earlier, more turbulent seasons.
Reaction Across the League
The announcement sent shockwaves across the NRL community.
- Teammates were jubilant, praising Moses’ leadership and professionalism. Gutherson, in particular, hailed his halves partner as “the engine of the Eels machine.”
- Coaches and Analysts lauded his game management and growth as a complete halfback. Jason Ryles, Parramatta’s head coach, remarked that Moses’ development has been “the cornerstone of everything we’re building.”
- Opponents acknowledged his ability to dictate games. Several rival players admitted that Moses’ kicking game was among the most difficult to defend against.
Social media exploded with tributes from fans, many dubbing it “long overdue recognition” for Moses’ contributions.
The Weight of Leadership
One of the most significant aspects of Moses’ journey to this award has been his evolution as a leader.
When he first arrived at Parramatta, his critics often highlighted body language and temperament as weaknesses. But over the years, Moses matured into a player capable of guiding not just his own game but those around him.
Young players like Blaize Talagi and other emerging stars have spoken of how Moses mentors them, setting standards on and off the field. This blend of personal excellence and leadership has been central to the Eels’ resurgence in recent years.
What It Means for the Parramatta Eels
The Dally M recognition for Moses has enormous implications for the Eels as a club:
- Recruitment and Retention: With an award-winning halfback locked in, the Eels have a major selling point for attracting new talent. Young players want to play alongside stars like Moses.
- Confidence Boost: Awards don’t win premierships, but they can galvanize a team. Moses’ recognition reaffirms the Eels’ belief that they’re on the right track.
- Breaking the Drought: With Moses at the helm, Parramatta fans dare to dream of ending the nearly four-decade premiership drought. His award is further proof that he has the talent to lead them there.
The Pressure That Comes With the Prize
While the award is cause for celebration, it also raises expectations. Moses will now be judged not just as Parramatta’s star but as the best halfback in the league. Every performance will be scrutinized through that lens.
The pressure to translate individual accolades into team success is real. Fans and critics alike will expect Moses to turn recognition into results—specifically, a premiership. But if his 2025 campaign is any indication, he is more than capable of meeting that challenge.
Looking Ahead
Moses’ journey is far from complete. At 31, he still has several years of elite rugby league ahead of him. The combination of experience, maturity, and skill suggests his best football may yet lie ahead.
With the Eels investing in long-term stability under Jason Ryles and developing a core of talented players around him, Moses is perfectly positioned to lead Parramatta into a new golden era.
Conclusion: A Defining Moment
Mitchell Moses’ Dally M Halfback of the Year award is more than a personal accolade—it is a historic breakthrough for the Parramatta Eels. It symbolizes growth, resilience, and the reward of perseverance.
For Moses, it cements his place among the elite halfbacks of the modern era, silencing critics and validating his journey. For Parramatta, it represents a step towards the elusive goal of premiership glory.
The story of the Eels has always been one of passion, heartbreak, and unyielding belief. Moses’ recognition proves that belief is well-placed. Now, with history made, the challenge is clear: to transform individual brilliance into the collective triumph fans have been waiting nearly four decades to see.
Leave a Reply