NRL star Moses answers amateur football club's unlikely SOS call

Parramatta Eels halfback Mitchell Moses is the first to admit he doesn't know too much about football.

Mitch Moses

NRL star Mitch Moses (back row centre) has taken on a shock coaching role with amateur football team Sydney CBD FC. Source: Supplied

However, it didn't stop the NRL star from answering an SOS call from a Sydney amateur side asking for him to help coach the team.

A cheeky comment from Eastern Suburbs Premier League side Sydney CBD FC on one of Moses' Instagram posts quickly developed into the 24-year-old rugby league talent offering to take on a coaching role with the team.

While unable to provide much advice with formations, skills or tactics, Moses joined the club's training session on Wednesday night to discuss mentality, confidence and how to find a winning edge.

"The whole thing was just perfect timing really. I had just suffered a big loss with the Eels last round and the boys from Sydney CBD said they were struggling with their results too," Moses said.
NRL Rd  9 - Storm v Eels
"I love helping people out and I thought the change of scenery, as well as a bit of a different outlook, could help my game on the rugby league field.

"I've only ever had a casual interest in football, and while my knowledge of the game isn't the best, I was able to work with these guys from the viewpoint of being an athlete as opposed to a football player or a rugby league player.

"I really enjoyed training with the Sydney CBD FC boys and I think it is going to help my game just as much as it helps theirs."

Moses' help hasn't just been felt on the training paddock with the NRL playmaker hooking the ESFA Premier League side up with a new away kit and a trip to the barber for fresh new cuts thanks to his sponsors.

While Moses won't be there for Sydney CBD FC's match this weekend due to the Eels’ NRL clash against the Cowboys in Townsville, he is determined to be in the dugout for their May 25 game against rivals Phoenix FC. 

"I'm really excited to see how I go on the sideline as I've never really been a coach before," he said.

"It will be strange enough trying to help coach a team from a different sport, but I think not being in control or able to individually influence the match is going to be the real test."
Mitch Moses
Sydney CBD FC captain Mark Smith said Moses' presence has given his team an incredible morale boost and revealed the one time Wests Tigers rookie isn't as bad with the round ball as he makes out.

"The whole experience has been absolutely amazing and to think it has all come from a throwaway comment on social media," he said.

"He was able to show off a few juggles of the ball at training and because he is a goal kicker in rugby league his ability to strike a ball gave our goalkeeper plenty of headaches.

"Getting Mitch on board has helped us discover newfound confidence and a different perspective to how we approach games. I think it could be exactly what we need to turn our season around."
Mitch Moses
Although revelling in his dalliance with the world game, Moses is certain his future well and truly remains in the NRL.

However, he didn't shut the door on continuing to help Sydney CBD FC throughout the season.

"It has been a great experience and I really think I have benefited just as much as the team," Moses said.

"Anything which challenges you and forces you to step out of your comfort zone can only be a good thing.

"In saying that, I've learnt I don't really have the skills to match it on the field with these boys so there will be no shock code swaps from me." 


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4 min read
Published 16 May 2019 8:13pm
Updated 17 May 2019 7:21am
By Nick Houghton

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