Mitchell Moses is the man to take premiers North Queensland head on in the absence of Luke Brooks as Wests Tigers battle to stay in the finals hunt, the rookie playmaker's teammates say.
Moses starred in the Tigers win over Parramatta last weekend, after Brooks went off with a knee injury that will sideline him for up to five weeks.
Five-eighth Moses also led the Tigers to a round one victory over the Warriors, when halfback Brooks was absent through suspension.
Tigers prop Tim Grant said Moses will embrace the extra responsibility in Sunday's round 22 NRL clash with the premiers at Leichhardt Oval.
"It will be a change without Luke but Mitch Moses is definitely hitting his straps," Grant said
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"When Brooksy went off the field on the weekend he really stood up and gave (stand-in pivot) Chris Lawrence the ability to play in the halves but also run like a backrower as well.
"I'm sure Mitch will do a great job this weekend and take the pressure of whoever is there next to him."
Tigers three-quarter Kevin Naiqama said Moses' calmness was his greatest asset.
"In regards to Mitch taking over in attack it is more responsibility on him but we didn't panic without Luke," he said.
"It affects Mitch more than it does us because he has to carry the role of the halfback and the five-eighth.
"He likes that, he did it in round one when Brooksy was out and he enjoyed it. Every time it is asked of him he definitely turns up and does what is asked of him."
Retiring hooker Dene Halatau said the clash with North Queensland is another opportunity to for Moses to develop.
"Mitch has been great. (There's) no doubt his form just keeps getting better and better," he said.
