It would’ve been hard for Moses Mbye to lead the Wests Tigers to a drought-breaking return to the NRL finals all the way from Townsville.
Only two months ago the Tigers captain was dumped as their fullback and linked with a shock mid-season move to North Queensland.
However not only does he insist he’s now comfortable in the centres, he says Concord’s his home – for the time being.
“Yeah, June 30’s done now. That’s the cut-off date. If they can’t get rid of you by June 30, you’re staying,” Mbye quipped to AAP.
“Long-term, I’ll be here obviously. If things change, I don’t know. For now, yeah I’m going to be here. There’s not much in the story anymore. Maybe come June 30 next year, who knows.”
Mbye and the Tigers face the team he was linked to when they host the Cowboys at Leichhardt Oval on Thursday night.
The Queensland State of Origin representative was considered an ideal fit in Townsville given their search for a star to replace bad boy Ben Barba.
However mid-season Melbourne signing Scott Drinkwater has impressed, while youngster Jake Clifford has also shown progress.
Mbye’s is now likely to remain in the centres after the Tigers rewarded new No.1 Corey Thompson with an extension last month.
Mbye, who is on almost $1 million a year until 2022, believes he has found some rhythm after more than a month in the new role.
“I feel comfortable, I do. I feel like I’ve found my feet pretty well there, strung a few games together now,” he said.
The Tigers are currently one point outside the top eight in 11th spot, two points ahead of the Cowboys, with six games before the finals.
Reaching them would end a seven-year absence – the longest in the competition.
“To get there as a group, it will be the real achievement,” Mbye said.
“It’d be a reward for the hard work we’ve done, not only us but our supporters.”
Coach Michael Maguire has stuck with the same 17 who edged Newcastle last week, while the Cowboys welcome skipper Michael Morgan back after he suffered concussion in Origin III.
STATS THAT MATTER
* The Tigers have won four of the past five, 12 of their past 14 as the home team and the past seven at Leichhardt against the Cowboys.
* The Tigers have scored 18 of their 57 tries from kicks, second only to Canberra.
* Cowboys prop Jordan McLean is averaging a career-high 125 metres and 27 tackles this season.