“DOUBLE THE JOY!”: Parramatta Eels Captain Mitchell Moses and Wife Welcome Twins—Names Pay Tribute to Eels Legend, Fans Erupt with Emotion
Parramatta, NSW –
Parramatta Eels halfback and captain Mitchell Moses has long been regarded as the heart and soul of the club—and now, the 30-year-old NRL star has even more reason to smile. In a heartwarming announcement that has sent ripples across the rugby league world, Moses and his wife Bri Gardoni revealed the birth of their twin babies, a boy and a girl, earlier this week. But what truly captured the hearts of fans was the sentimental gesture that came with it: the twins have been named in honor of one of the Eels’ most beloved legends.
The Eels made the announcement via social media on Thursday morning, posting a tender black-and-white photo of Mitchell holding the newborns close to his chest, captioned:
“Welcome to the world, our little miracles. Named in honor of an Eels icon who shaped the blue and gold spirit. We’re so in love.”
While the couple hasn’t officially revealed the full names publicly, club insiders confirmed the twins bear the names “Ray” and “Ella”—a powerful tribute to the great Ray Price, the legendary Eels lock forward whose toughness, leadership, and loyalty defined a golden era at the club in the 1980s.
“It Was Always Going to Be Ray”
Speaking exclusively to The Daily Telegraph, Moses explained the emotional reasoning behind the name choice.
> “Ray Price is a legend—on and off the field,” Moses said. “He’s the definition of what it means to wear the blue and gold with pride. I wanted my kids to carry a piece of that legacy into their lives. I want them to grow up knowing about toughness, resilience, and loyalty. That’s what Ray stood for.”
The second name, “Ella,” is believed to be a nod to Ella Price, Ray’s late wife, who was known for her tireless support behind the scenes at the club during her husband’s playing days. Together, the names symbolize strength, unity, and love—core values Mitchell and Bri say they want to pass on to their children.
Rugby League Royalty Reacts
Ray Price himself, now in his early 70s, was reportedly “deeply moved” by the gesture. Though he has stayed out of the spotlight in recent years, he issued a brief but emotional message through the club:
> “It’s a great honor, mate. I’ve always respected Mitch—not just for his game, but for how he’s grown into a leader. For him to do this… well, it means the world. I wish him and his family all the love in the world.”
The rugby league community, already full of admiration for Moses’ consistent play and fierce leadership, responded with an outpouring of love and praise.
NRL great Peter Sterling, who played alongside Price in the 1980s, said, “You don’t often see something this meaningful in sport. Mitch is showing that footy is more than just what happens on the field—it’s family, legacy, and honor. I couldn’t be prouder of him.”
From Heartbreak to Healing
This joyful announcement marks a powerful turnaround for Moses, who just two years ago dealt with the tragic loss of his grandmother just hours before leading the Eels to a dramatic finals victory. That emotional performance made headlines and drew widespread praise for his resilience and composure under pressure.
Now, with the arrival of the twins, Moses is in a completely different headspace.
> “It’s been a wild ride. So many highs and lows. But right now, this—my family—it’s the greatest win of my life,” he said.
Club Culture on Full Display
Parramatta Eels head coach Brad Arthur, who has worked closely with Moses over the past several seasons, called the moment “a full-circle reflection of what this club is all about.”
> “Mitch is one of the most passionate players I’ve ever coached. Seeing him start a family, and do it with such class and thoughtfulness—naming the kids after a club legend—it just shows how much this club runs through his veins.”
Arthur confirmed that the team was made aware of the twins’ birth during a team meeting earlier in the week, prompting applause, hugs, and even a few tears from some of the senior players.
The Eels later released a short behind-the-scenes video showing the moment Moses FaceTimed the locker room to introduce the newborns. “Two more Eels in the world!” he joked, drawing cheers from the squad.
Eyes Still on the Prize
Despite becoming a new father of two, Moses isn’t expected to miss significant playing time. The Eels have a bye this weekend, and the club confirmed he’ll return to training on Monday.
> “Bri’s a superstar. She told me, ‘Go get that premiership ring.’ So I’m back in the saddle next week,” Moses said with a grin.
The Eels currently sit just outside the top eight and face a tough run home, but Moses’ return—and emotional boost—could provide the spark the team needs.
Fans have already started referring to the upcoming stretch as “The Twin Surge,” and some are even jokingly asking if baby Ray will get his first jersey by the end of the season.
Fanbase United by Family
Social media lit up in celebration of the announcement, with Eels supporters, former players, and even rival clubs posting congratulations. The hashtag #BabyEels began trending on X (formerly Twitter) within hours of the club’s post.
One fan wrote:
> “Mitchell Moses is not just leading our team, he’s leading a legacy. Ray and Ella—names that will be sung in the stands for generations.”
Another added:
> “This is what makes footy beautiful. Family, tradition, love. Congratulations, Captain.”
What’s Next for the Moses Family?
For now, the Moses household is embracing life as a family of four. Friends say Bri and the babies are doing well, and Mitchell has already been spotted taking late-night bottle duty with a smile.
But don’t expect him to slow down on the field. If anything, his motivation just doubled.
> “I’ve got two little ones watching now,” Moses said. “Every game, every tackle, every kick—it means more. I want to make them proud. I want to win something big, and do it with their names on my back.”
With his heart full and eyes on the premiership, Mitchell Moses isn’t just playing for the Eels anymore—he’s playing for Ray, for Ella, and for a legacy that grows stronger with each passing day.
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CONGRATULATIONS, CAPTAIN.
