Moses Mbye: St Helens bring in Joey Lussick replacement in shape of former Origin rep
Moses Mbye in action for St George Illawarra Dragons
St Helens have found a replacement for the departing Joey Lussick in the shape of former State of Origin representative Moses Mbye.
The Super League champions have confirmed the signing of utility back Mbye on a two-and-a-half-year deal from NRL side St George Illawarra Dragons.
Mbye arrives at St Helens as hooker Lussick departs to return to the NRL with Parramatta Eels with immediate effect.
On the departure of Lussick and the arrival of Mbye, Saints coach Paul Wellens said: “We at St Helens are not in the business of allowing players to leave mid-contract, but when Joey’s situation became sensitive with him requesting his release and wanting to return home, we needed to handle it with care.
“But we as a club were strong with our stance that we would only ever allow Joey to leave if we could bring in someone who could add to the squad, and in Moses Mbye that is exactly what we’ve got.”
”We’ve brought Moses in for the long-term’ – St Helens coach Paul Wellens
Mbye, who represented Queensland in the State of Origin arena in 2019, is able to play full-back, centre, half-back and hooker comfortably – something which Wellens believes will come in handy for his side.
Wellens said: “Moses is a proven player in the NRL and a player who has had experience playing in big games, most notably State of Origin, and he gives us great versatility too in his ability to play in a number of positions.
“On the back of our conversations with him, we know how excited and enthusiastic he is to be part of our club. We’re delighted he has chosen to make the move to come and join us.
“I think he suits the way we go about our business, by that I mean first and foremost he is a great fella and we know he’ll fit in well with the rest of the playing group.
“Given the quality of the player that he is and his ability to play in a number of positions gives us some real options for the back end of the season but also into 2024 and 2025 – we’ve brought Moses in for the long-term because we think he can really add to us.”
Moses Mbye ‘grateful’ to join St Helens in Super League
The Australian says he is delighted to be linking up with Saints on a deal until at least the end of the 2025 season.
Mbye said: “I’m wrapped! It’s something that I’m so grateful for, to be part of a club with such success and such rich history.
“I’m keen to come over and learn from the current squad and off Wello and be part of a club with such a great culture.
“My versatility is an asset I’ve got to develop over a number of years now, with my conversations with Paul that’s what I’m here to do, to be part of the squad and fulfil any role that is needed to be filled – but I want to earn my spot too. It’s a good opportunity to come over, add some healthy competition to what is already a really successful squad, and earn my spot.
“I know the expectations at St Helens are high which is great because we’re expected to succeed because of how well the team has gone in the past and in recent years. It’s come from the hard work they have put in and I’m looking forward to being part of it. I can’t wait to get over there, meet the boys and the fans and get amongst it.”