‘Odd Couple’ are true believers in each other
They’ve been named the ‘Odd Couple’ however Westpac NSW Blues halves Mitchell Moses and Cody Walker are no strangers when it comes to playing alongside one another.
The two halves combined back in 2019 when they were selected in the Prime Ministers XIII squad – the team that proceeded to win 52-10 against Fiji.
While both playmakers have grown their game since 2019 – both appearing in NRL Grand Finals in 2021 for Walker and South Sydney, 2022 for Parramatta and Moses - they understand each other’s strengths.
With Walker instrumental in the Rabbitohs success this year, Moses believes it was the right choice to have the five-eighth recalled into the squad to help reignite the Blues attack.
“He’s a champion player,” Moses told nswrl.com.au
“He probably has the best pass selection in the game at the moment.
“He is a quality player and hopefully we can strike up a good combination and put some points on.
“He has earnt his spot and I’m happy to play alongside him.”
While Walker wins praise for what he can do with the ball in hand, Moses has one of the best kicking games in Rugby League with both his short and long kicks troubling every opposition.
The playmaker has averaged 466 kick meters a game this season – including kicking for over 1000 meters back in Round Four against the Panthers .
“He plays a genuine No.7 role,” Walker said of his halves partner.
“He has a great kicking game which helps get us around the park.
“I’m looking forward to playing alongside Mitch.”
NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler believes that despite his new halves combination being labelled an odd match-up, they won’t get overwhelmed as each have the experience required to help seal a win.
Between the two, Moses and Walker have a combined 34 try assists, 19 line breaks, 33 line-break assists and 19 forced drop outs so far this season – proving they know how to spark attack.
“They are two experienced players,” Fittler said.
“They both have Origin experience and have both played in Grand Finals.
“The way they play back at their club, they tend to dominate on their sides of the field.
“They should complement each other.”
