Moses makes big Kangaroos call in Cleary twist; Storm signing spree as FIVE locked down — Daily

Eels star Mitch Moses has reportedly committed his allegiance to the Kangaroos over Lebanon for next month’s World Cup if picked in Australia’s 23-man squad.

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Moses has represented Lebanon at the previous two World Cups. However, according to AAP, the Eels star wishes to wear the green and gold in the global showpiece.

There’s no shortage of halfback options for coach Kevin Walters and Moses is no sure thing to make the World Cup squad, but the injury cloud over Nathan Cleary has opened the door for Moses to potentially start in the No. 7 jersey.

Cleary suffered a foot injury in the qualifying final win over the Roosters last Sunday and while he’s expected to play in next week’s prelim, the injury could force the Panthers star to forego the World Cup.

If Cleary does, Moses is almost a guarantee to earn a spot in Walters’ squad.

In another boost for the Kangaroos, gun prop Tino Fa’asuamaleaui is set to pick Australia over Samoa for the ten-team tournament.

Fa’asuamaleaui played for Australia in last year’s UK tour, but there had been some rumblings he would switch allegiances to Samoa, a la Payne Haas.

In other international news, Samoa will have the services of gun NQ prop Tom Mikaele and promising Knights edge forward Francis Manuleleua.

Recently retired NRL prop Josh Papalii could still feature at the World Cup either for Samoa or the Cook Islands although no decision has been made on whether he’ll play on.

STORM’S HUGE RETENTION PUSH

The Storm have announced they’ve signed five players to extensions, including promising young gun Hugo Peel and rugby union convert Moses Leo.

The club have also inked new deals with forward Jack Hetherington, the versatile Trent Toelau and young playmaker Stanley Huen.

Leo is now contracted until the end of 2029 as is Peel.

The seventh Victorian junior to play for the Storm, Peel played in three games at the top level this season.

Leo’s number was called often this season as the Storm dealt with a few injuries in the backline.

He played in 17 games, scoring 11 tries..

“Moses has shown impressive growth since making the switch to rugby league. Changing codes is never easy, but he’s embraced the challenge and worked hard to develop his game,” Director of Football Frank Ponissi said via a club-issued statement.

Huen, who featuired in four NRL games off the bench this season, has re-upped for two more seasons until the end of 2028.

Meanwhile, Toelau and Hetherington have signed one-year deals for 2027.

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