Mitch Moses claims he is finally reaping the reward for the tough start to his NRL career, having learned the hard way how to keep his composure.
Moses is in the midst of the most consistent season of his career, with the Parramatta No.7 leading all halves for try assists this year.
Heading into Sunday's clash with Canterbury, the Eels can stay third on the NRL ladder with just three losses in their first 14 games.
But at age 26 and seven years after his debut at Wests Tigers, he knows it hasn't come easy.
The biggest difference in Moses is his on-field maturity, with that clearly on show in last week's win over the Tigers.
Once known as a side who can collapse, Moses kept his cool after bombing a try just before halftime and letting the Tigers back into the match when they scored moments later.
Notably the half didn't overplay his hand in a dominant second half, while still scoring one try and setting up two others in a five-minute blitzkrieg.
"I think I have found that balance finally," Moses said.
"It's a good feeling. In the past coming up with that error and then trying to chase points and coming up with the wrong play.
"Or I'd probably go into my shell after that and let everyone else take control.
"But I felt like I was really calm out there after that moment.
"I probably know how to handle those situations a bit better. I am still learning but I think I am handling those situations a lot better."
Long regarded as one of the game's most promising young halves, Moses didn't play finals football until his fourth NRL season.
He has taken the Eels there for the past two years, but knows they must hold remain consistent for longer to deliver on their status as a genuine contender.
"I started very young, and I had to learn the hard way," Moses said.
"I had a lot of dark years at the Tigers and a lot of learning years and lot of lessons that were really harsh that I had to learn at the start of my career.
"I feel like I am getting better in those situations."
His teammates are noticing it too.
"He has been doing a lot better lately in terms of those things," halves partner Dylan Brown said.
"That's one thing we have been talking about in video, when something bad happens (making sure) it's not really impacting us.
"We're confident in our defence and grinding out in a game and if we have to score a try in the last two minutes to win the game.
"It all adds up as to why Mitch feels like he can respond in that way."
Australian Associated Press
