Ryles provides Eels, Blues injury update on Mitchell Moses

Parramatta coach Jason Ryles has confirmed captain Mitchell Moses will not play in Round 13 against the Knights.

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But in encouraging news for Eels and NSW Blues fans he says the star halfback’s hamstring injury is not considered to be serious.

In fact, Ryles says club medical staff are confident Moses could even be available for the Round 14 clash against the Bulldogs on the Kings Birthday public holiday Monday at Accor Stadium.

“It’s quite minor actually,” Ryles revealed to the media with an injury update on Friday.

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“I don’t think it’ll be too long (before Moses returns)… we’ll just see how he progresses this week with his rehab.”

Asked if he thought his captain should be selected for State of Origin Game II, Ryles played a relatively straight bat.

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“I’m not sure what Loz has in mind (for the NSW halves)… that’s up to Laurie,” he said.

“Whatever they decide to do there’s some good options there obviously, Mitchell and Nathan (Cleary) are two elite halves and the young kid Strange did really well so it’s a good problem to have.”

Moses was originally selected at five-eighth for NSW in Origin I but suffered a hamstring issue at training and was replaced by Raiders debutant Ethan Strange who starred in the 22-20 comeback win over Queensland.

‘It was just bad luck’ says Ryles, refuses to blame Origin

Frustratingly for Eels fans it’s the second season in a row Moses has been injured whilst on Origin duty, however Ryles was diplomatic, himself a veteran of eight Origins for NSW.

“I’d rather have Origin players and have that (injury) problem, it’s got nothing to do with what they’re doing in camp,” Ryles said.

“We get a lot of feedback on what they do… it was just bad luck.”

Laurie Daley and the NSW selectors are expected to name their squad for Game II at the MCG on Monday June 8.

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