Mitchell Moses, the captain of the Eels, has received a formal warning from the NRL after engaging in repeated disputes with referee Peter Gough during his team’s narrow defeat to the Wests Tigers. The match ended with a score of 22-20, and Moses’ attempts to question Gough’s decisions were viewed unfavourably.
The NRL issued a concerning acts notice to Moses, an indication of his behaviour during the game that does not reach the level of a charge or breach notice. The incidents included minor physical contact, such as when Moses touched Gough’s arm and back while pleading his case.
Despite the loss, Parramatta’s coach, Jason Ryles, asserted that referee decisions were not the sole reason for the team’s defeat. In a press conference, Ryles noted, “We don’t let that come into it. That’s not why we lost,” highlighting the need for the team to focus on their own performance rather than attributing loss to officiating errors.
Moses approached Gough multiple times to contest calls, including a penalty against Parramatta following a collision, and after a try by the Tigers which he argued stemmed from an illegal strip of the ball. In a particularly tense moment, he was denied the opportunity to initiate a captain’s challenge late in the game when a forward was brought down close to the try line and lost possession.
In his account, Moses expressed frustration at being told by Gough that a challenge could not be made because he hadn’t called the tackle held. He indicated that he felt justified in his protests, given the circumstances surrounding his teammate’s play.
Looking ahead, the Eels will prepare for their upcoming match against the Gold Coast Titans this Sunday.