Andrew Johns makes huge Mitchell Moses claim as NSW gun reveals the secret to his career-best performance in State of Origin domination
- Andrew Johns was impressed by Mitchell Moses at the Origin Arena
- NSW halfback was man of the match as Blues squared the series
- Johns felt this was Moses’ best performance of his football career
NRL Immortal Andrew Johns has praised Mitchell Moses, calling the halfback’s performance for NSW in game two of the Origin series ‘the best he has seen in his career’.
Moses, in just his fourth appearance for the Blues, was huge as he effectively kicked Queensland to death in a man of the match display at the MCG.
Often criticized for his defending, the playmaker stood his ground, prompting Johns to declare that Moses belonged in the Origin arena.
“This is the best game I’ve ever seen Mitch Moses play,” Johns said just before full-time on Channel Nine.
“His kicking game was first-class, as was his combination play with Jarome [Luai].
“There has been criticism of his defense before, but he didn’t let anyone down tonight.”
Speaking at Full Time, the Parramatta star revealed how he went the extra mile to ensure he excelled for his state.
“I asked a few AFL guys before I came here [MCG] exactly what it’s like to step on,” he said.
NRL Immortal Andrew Johns has heaped praise on Mitchell Moses, calling the halfback’s performance for NSW in game two of the Origin series ‘the best he’s seen in his career’
Moses, making only his fourth appearance for the Blues, was invaluable as he effectively kicked Queensland to death in a man of the match display at the MCG
‘Yes, there is a big swirl here. I just had to come out early to get a feel for my surroundings.
‘The second half was a bit more difficult, but hey, we just had to get the job done and we did that.’
It comes after the Panthers confirmed on Wednesday that Blues number 7 Nathan Cleary will not feature in the Origin decider.
In recent weeks, Penrith have delved deeper into the 26-year-old’s hamstring problems, after he also missed six games last year due to a tear in his right one.
The two-time Clive Churchill medalist then felt problems in his left hamstring in the third round of this season, ruling him out for four weeks.
Cleary was then rested from another match immediately afterwards via a short turnaround, before going down again in early May with a new left hamstring complaint.