Mitchell Moses Signs Stunning $7 Million Deal with Penrith Panthers in Shock NRL Transfer
Sydney, May 15, 2025 — In a move that has sent shockwaves across the rugby league world, star halfback Mitchell Moses has officially signed a record-breaking $7 million deal with the Penrith Panthers, ending months of speculation and marking one of the most sensational transfers in NRL history.
The five-year deal, which will see Moses wear Panthers colours through the end of the 2029 season, makes him one of the highest-paid players in the league’s modern era. The transfer comes as a major blow to the Parramatta Eels, where Moses had served as a marquee player and fan favourite since joining the club in 2017.
The Panthers confirmed the signing via a press release Thursday morning, with General Manager Matt Cameron hailing Moses as “a world-class playmaker and proven leader who we believe will elevate our club’s premiership ambitions well into the future.”
“We’re thrilled to welcome Mitchell to the Panthers,” Cameron said. “He brings experience, vision, and the competitive edge that aligns perfectly with our club’s championship culture. This is a bold move, but one we’re confident will pay dividends on and off the field.”
The signing represents a major strategic play for Penrith, who have enjoyed enormous success over the past five seasons, including three consecutive premierships from 2021 to 2023. After losing key players in recent years to salary cap pressures, including Jarome Luai and Stephen Crichton, the Panthers had been on the lookout for an elite half to partner Nathan Cleary and help usher in a new era of dominance. Moses, 30, fits that bill perfectly.
Moses was reportedly courted by multiple clubs, including a last-minute push by the Dolphins and an offer from an overseas Super League team. However, the Panthers’ vision for the future — combined with the appeal of playing alongside Cleary and under coach Ivan Cleary — proved too enticing to pass up.
“This was the toughest decision of my career,” Moses said in a statement. “Parramatta gave me so much, and I’ll forever be grateful to the fans, my teammates, and the organisation. But ultimately, I had to make a decision that I felt was best for my future and my family. Penrith presented a compelling opportunity to be part of something special.”
The move is expected to trigger significant changes at both clubs. Parramatta, who have struggled for consistency since their 2022 Grand Final appearance, now face the daunting task of rebuilding their spine. Meanwhile, Penrith will look to integrate Moses into their system ahead of the 2026 season, with insiders suggesting he may arrive even earlier under a release agreement currently being negotiated.
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo acknowledged the magnitude of the deal, noting that such blockbuster signings reflect the league’s increasing commercial strength and global appeal.
“This is a landmark moment for the game,” Abdo said. “It demonstrates that elite talent is being rewarded and that clubs are thinking strategically about long-term success.”
Social media exploded following the announcement, with fans expressing a mix of disbelief, excitement, and heartbreak. While Panthers supporters celebrated the acquisition as another masterstroke, Eels faithful voiced disappointment, with many questioning the club’s ability to retain top-tier talent.
Whether this move will translate into continued dominance for Penrith — or whether the pressure of such a high-profile deal will weigh on Moses — remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that the 2026 NRL season just became one of the most anticipated in recent memory.