Moeroa is one of the most exciting prospects in the NRL after making nine first-grade appearances near the end of the season.

The Eels quickly re-signed him to a three-year contract to thwart poachers, including Super rugby franchises Waratahs and the Chiefs.

However, the 18-year-old is equally skilled throwing a shot put and discus. He set several age records during his time as a boarder at Newington College.

In his first interview, Moeroa outlined his plans to participate in the 2016 Games, most probably in his preferred discipline of shot put.

"We'll see what happens, when everything settles down, next year we'll start looking at the Olympics," he said. "I've been concentrating on league but still do [track and field] training. If you put your mind to it, you can go far."

Moeroa was born in the Cook Islands, spent his early years in New Zealand and came to Australia aged five. He will play for the Kangaroos if given the opportunity at representative level. "I could go New Zealand but I always wanted to play Origin," he said.

The Australian Schoolboys rugby star has vowed to use a chunk of his Eels contract money to buy a house for his parents to repay them for the sacrifices they have made.

"[Mum] had to sacrifice a lot. It wasn't easy ... we had to struggle  to get to where we are today," he said.

POTTER OPENS UP

Mick Potter is one of the most decent men I've met in rugby league. When I sat down with him on Friday, he could have unloaded on Wests Tigers, but that is not his style.

However, he did provide an insight into his two-year term as head coach.

"It's been one of the most challenging things to have to deal with and there are obvious reasons for that," he said.

"I just don't think the club was united, whether it was upstairs or downstairs. There was always people working not for the team, not solely to keep winning. There was always an ulterior motive for some people. Although they wanted the best for the club, ultimately there was selfishness. I don't think you can have that in any organisation."

Normally the fans are the first to turn on the coach. The players, the board and others usually follow.

Not this time.

Fans vented their fury over moves to sack him. While they couldn't save him in the end, Potter is grateful for the support provided by them and Gorden Tallis.

"I did speak to Gordie and he just said, 'If someone questions my integrity, I won't back down'," Potter said. "That brought a smile to my face because he's one of the most honest people I've ever met and one of the most loyal people. Ifthere are more Gordies around, we'd have a better world."

How does Potter reflect on his relationship with Robbie Farah?

"Robbie is passionate about his club, he just wants to win," Potter said. "Sometimes he gets a bit emotional and probably says things that in the big picture probably has a point but isn't meant in certain ways. In the heat of battle, Robbie gets upset and says things at times, but no one can doubt his passion for the club or his determination or effort.

"As far as my relationship with Robbie, we had a reasonable working relationship. He's certainly a strong personality, he's a guy that is good for the club but has some issues. I could have handled that a little bit better."

SLATER'S LOSS, INGLIS' GAIN?

Joyce Churchill reckons nobody reminds her more of "The Little Master", her late, great husband Clive, than Melbourne fullback Billy Slater.

But with Melbourne knocked out of the finals, there's no chance she will be presenting the Clive Churchill Medal to him on grand final day. So who does she predict will be the recipient?

"Being a South Sydney supporter, I would like to present it to one of the Souths players," she said.

"I'd have to go for the fullback, wouldn't I? Greg Inglis."

MOIMOI OFF TO ENGLAND

Fuifui Moimoi knocked back opportunities to continue his NRL career at Manly and Penrith because he didn't want to play against his beloved Eels. However, the veteran prop won't be lost to rugby league altogether, as he is close to finalising a deal to continue his career in the Super League.

While most expected Moimoi to hang up his boots after Parramatta failed to offer him a new contract, the former New Zealand international will play on in England.

"I'll probably go for one more year or two overseas, see how my body feels," Moimoi said.

"I still wanted to play another year but I didn't want to go somewhere else [in Australia]. Obviously I've been here for a long time and didn't want to finish my career [at another club], I still want to play."

All the departing Eels players – including Ben Smith, Willie Tonga and Ken Sio – were honoured at the club's presentation night. But in true "Fui" fashion, he attended the event but could not be found when he was required on stage.

ALMOST A BULLDOG

Canterbury have copped plenty of stick for letting Johnathan Thurston slip through their grasp, but it's not like they tabled him an insulting offer a decade ago.

"In 2004 we won the comp and Brent Sherwin and Braith Anasta were in the halves," then-Bulldogs coach Steve Folkes said. "He only played about four first-grade games before he played in the grand final and I think we offered him $200,000, which was a lot considering his experience.

"I think he wanted to get out of Sydney a bit too, but we just couldn't compete with the Cowboys' offer. He's probably the one that gotaway."