A whirlwind few days for Mitchell Moses is set to get even busier as he heads from Papua New Guinea to England for the Ashes series.
After being named in a 24-man Kangaroos squad to face the old enemy in the first Ashes series for 22 years, Moses received a late call-up to join coach Kevin Walters in Port Moresby.
Despite arriving too late to train with the Prime Minister’s XIII, the Eels skipper helped Australia score a 28-10 win over PNG, while blowing off some cobwebs after not having played for five weeks.
“I flew in pretty late… Kevvie gave me a call to come here and get some game time in. I felt like it was good for me heading into the tour next week,” Moses told NRL.com.
Mitchell Moses in action in PNG.
©Anthony Kourembanas / NRL Images
“(To play in PNG) is unreal, the crowd’s unbelievable.
“Last time I played it was nine years ago (for a Prime Minister’s XIII game); they’re a special group of people and they just love their footy and it’s good to see all the smiles on the faces.
“To see what it means to them it’s really good.”
Coming off the bench, Moses played 40 minutes with a line break and two tackle breaks.
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Walters happy with win ahead of Ashes
“I was in number 19, it was good, I really enjoyed the role,” Moses said.
“I’ve never started on the bench before, so it was a bit of a different experience for me.
“It was a bit tough watching the first half from the sidelines, but it was good; I got to inspect the game and see where the holes are.”
Selection in the representative sides comes after the halfback missed the start of the 2025 season with a foot injury, before a calf injury suffered in New South Wales Origin camp proved another setback.
On his return in Round 21 against the Broncos, he showed his influence for his team as Parramatta secured five wins in their last seven games, giving Walters the confidence to select him in his travelling squad.
“I’m wrapped to be in that squad, so I’m really excited to get over there and get into camp with the boys and see how we go,” Moses said.
Members of the Ashes squad, including coach Walters, Bradman Best, Ethan Strange and PMs XIII captain Keaon Koloamatangi, flew out of Port Moresby early on Monday morning in preparation for the tour.
The Ashes Tour will include Test matches at Wembley Stadium (October 25), Everton Stadium (November 1) and Headingley (November 8).