On Friday evening, concerns arose for supporters clad in yellow and blue as Mitchell Moses sustained an injury upon landing awkwardly during his much-anticipated return for the Parramatta Eels against the Brisbane Broncos. After a seven-week absence due to a calf injury incurred during NSW Blues camp, Moses’s comeback was abruptly marred when he fell to the ground, clutching his left calf.
The incident occurred just 30 minutes into the match as Moses attempted a grubber kick through the Broncos’ defence, colliding with player Ezra Mam. Despite showing signs of discomfort, he managed to limp back onto the field after a brief moment, further highlighting the fragility of his recovery.
Moses’s quick return to play was momentarily impressive, as he soon assisted in setting up a try for Zac Lomax with a clever chip kick. Earlier in the game, tension rose as Broncos player Xavier Willison was booked for a late tackle on Junior Paulo, which left the Eels prop in pain despite his valiant efforts to stay on his feet.
The match saw its first points from a penalty goal by Lomax from a considerable distance of 40 metres, equalising the scores at 2-2 following an escort penalty against Josh Addo-Carr. A flurry of activity unfolded as Sean Russell scored a try for the Eels, but it was swiftly met with a response from Broncos captain Adam Reynolds just three minutes later.
An electrifying moment arrived when Reynolds intercepted a pass and sprinted 65 metres to score, demonstrating remarkable speed despite the heavy chase. Commentary acknowledged the effort, with Billy Slater remarking on Reynolds’s exhaustion while Darren Lockyer highlighted the challenge of the run. This thrilling action, however, left the Broncos ahead at half-time with a score of 14-12 after Reece Walsh converted a goal following Reynolds’s try.
While the match demonstrated both teams’ competitive spirit and skill, the uncertainty surrounding Moses’s injury continues to loom large over the Eels as they navigate the remainder of the season.