Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

Mitchell Moses Wests Tigers speculation has gathered pace after Michael Ennis suggested the club could use the money from Jarome Luai’s planned 2027 exit to target a major NRL recruitment move.

The discussion came during Fox League’s coverage of the Wests Tigers and New Zealand Warriors match on Friday night, with Luai’s confirmed departure raising fresh questions about the club’s long-term halves plan.

For more on the playmaker market and Luai’s future, read Jarome Luai Parramatta Eels links grow as Jason Ryles addresses reports.

Michael Ennis Floats Mitchell Moses Return

Ennis said Wests Tigers would not likely move on from Luai without having another option in mind.

“I don’t think they make this decision (to release Jarome Luai) unless there’s someone sitting in the background that they’re looking to spend a fair chunk of this $1.2 million on,” Ennis said.

The former New South Wales State of Origin and Cronulla Sharks hooker then named Parramatta Eels halfback Mitchell Moses as a possible target.

“Mitch Moses, I know I’m throwing it out there… but if you look at Parramatta at the moment, Mitch is 31 years of age… and the romanticism about him coming back to where it all started,” Ennis said.

Why Wests Tigers Could Look At A Big Halfback Move

Moses came through SG Ball and under-20s with Wests Tigers before making his National Rugby League debut in 2014.

He played 67 NRL games for the club between 2014 and 2017 before leaving mid-season when Ivan Cleary was coach.

A move would not be simple. Moses is contracted to Parramatta Eels until 2029 on one of the largest deals in the National Rugby League.

Still, Ennis argued the Tigers have attractive pieces around the spine, including Api Koroisau, Jahream Bula and Adam Doueihi.

“$1.2 million for me, that’s in the ballpark of Mitch Moses… there are some really good pieces to the puzzle… Wests Tigers just need someone to be able to unlock that,” Ennis said.

Any move would also involve Moses’ manager and cousin Isaac Moses, which may add another layer after the 2025 Lachlan Galvin exit from Wests Tigers.

The situation remains only a recruitment rumour for now, but in the National Rugby League, big halves moves can quickly shift from talk to serious negotiation. More official competition information is available through the National Rugby League.