A promise made with a handshake 10 years ago has finally been honoured, with former Queensland representative Moses Mbye pulling on the Ipswich Jets jersey in 2026.
Now 32, the experienced halfback and newly appointed Jets captain says his move to Ipswich was never just about finishing his career – it was about keeping his word.
Mbye revealed the agreement was struck back in 2016 during one of his best seasons in the NRL, when Jets chairman Steve Johnson convinced him to one day return to play for the proud regional club.
“Johnno signed me 10 years ago to a two-year contract with the Ipswich Jets. This is that deal,” Mbye said.
“Johnno said to me at the time that I had to come back and play with Ipswich before I finished playing. When he heard I was finishing in the UK, he was the first person to call.
“He said, ‘do you remember that deal?’ I hadn’t forgotten … so here I am.”
The former State of Origin representative brings a wealth of experience to the club after a long professional career that included 194 NRL games and three seasons in the English Super League with St Helens.
In Ipswich, Mbye has taken on a dual role – captaining the Hostplus Cup side, while also working full-time in a development capacity with the club.
Mbye has also thrown his support behind the Jets’ long-running push to secure a place in the NRL, a campaign that has stretched for almost two decades.
In his view, Ipswich represents one of the most natural expansion markets.
“It just makes sense,” he said.
“Look at Sydney and the number of clubs they have there. Brisbane has just two.
“Ipswich is the right demographic for rugby league. We don’t need to convert people. You can put a team here and you will fill the stands day one.”
With North Ipswich Reserve currently undergoing redevelopment, Mbye believes the foundations are being laid for the city to eventually host its own NRL franchise.
Despite the Jets’ affiliation with the Gold Coast Titans, Mbye insists he has no plans for an NRL comeback.
“You never close the door on any opportunity but it is not something I came here to do,” he said with a grin.
Jets head coach Tye Ingebrigtsen said the veteran playmaker had already made a major impact on the squad.
“He just brings ultimate game management, experience and leadership,” Ingebrigtsen said.
“The best thing about coaching Moses is not only is he a good bloke, but he is a competitor and he wants to win.”
