The Mole: Parramatta signs boom rookie as heir apparent to Mitchell Moses

The Eels have snatched a promising halfback from the Dragons who they believe will develop into the heir apparent for Mitchell Moses' number seven jumper in coming years.

Dantoray Lui, a 19-year-old from Cairns, was a standout in the Flegg Cup for the Dragons this year after a brief stint with Cronulla in 2019.

Both seasons were shortened by COVID - but Lui showed enough to earn approaches from several rival clubs.

In the end, he chose the Eels, who offered him the best pathway to the top grade.

The former Queensland under-19 halfback is expected to play in the NSW Cup next season before moving into the NRL squad in 2023.

Moses turned 27 recently and still has several good years at the top ahead of him.

But when he was missing from the top side last season, the Eels struggled for direction and Lui, a crafty halfback with plenty of pace, will hopefully fix that problem in coming seasons.