Phil Gould Dismisses NSW Halves ‘Theory’ Following Mitchell Moses’ Return, Labels It ‘Too Clunky’

Phil Gould has dismissed the idea of Nathan Cleary and Mitchell Moses teaming up in State of Origin, insisting selectors should opt for just one of them.

Moses made his return last weekend for the Eels, quickly making an impact by leading his side to a crucial victory over the Wests Tigers.

After missing the first six rounds due to a foot injury, the 30-year-old appears to have regained full fitness just in time for Parramatta.

When questioned about whether he considers Moses the most pivotal player in the game, Gould did not hold back in his admiration for the current NSW Blues halfback.

“Absolutely,” he stated on Wide World of Sports’ Six Tackles With Gus.

“The dynamic changes entirely when Mitchell Moses returns. You simply can’t remove your Origin-class leader and playmaker from a team without facing the repercussions.

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“Parramatta has shown dedication in their games, but their performance hasn’t been optimal, and Moses addresses so many of their issues.

“He was absolutely phenomenal. Mitchell is now among the elite halves in our sport.”

His return has sparked fresh discussions about who will don the No.7 jersey for the Blues when the Origin series kicks off in just over a month.

Last year, Moses played a key role in guiding NSW to a 2-1 series win against the Maroons alongside Jarome Luai, but his presence was only possible due to Cleary’s absence.

Cleary has had a mixed start to the 2025 season with Penrith, though his achievements at both club and representative level are impressive, having secured four consecutive titles and multiple Origin series victories.

Despite the calls for Cleary and Moses to form a halves pairing, Gould argues that Luai should occupy the five-eighth position and that a decision needs to be made regarding the other halfback position.

“This will undoubtedly add pressure on the NSW selectors moving forward,” he added.

“There is speculation about whether Cleary and Moses can operate together in the halves, which would require one to adapt to playing five-eighth.

“However, I believe it should either be Cleary and Luai or Moses and Luai, which is a significant decision to make.

“I don’t subscribe to the notion that they can both play together – that would likely lead to a disjointed performance.”

The series is set to commence on May 28, with the team being finalised following round 11.