In a candid appearance on the radio program “Saturday Scrum,” Parramatta Eels halfback Mitchell Moses admitted that since his daughter’s birth he has changed her nappy only once: right after she was born. On-air, when asked if he regularly helped with nappies, he responded bluntly: “No … I haven’t … I can’t do it.” (Yahoo Sports AU)
That remark has ignited a fierce backlash online and among fans, with many condemning the comment as tone-deaf and irresponsible—especially coming from a high-profile athlete and father. (Yahoo Sports AU)
🍼 The Background — Family, Prior Sacrifices, and Earlier Choices
Moses and his partner welcomed their daughter in September 2022. However, the halfback missed the birth because his club at the time was playing a preliminary final, a decision he explained was made in order to support his teammates. Instead of flying back, he met his newborn daughter over FaceTime. (ABC)
That decision was already controversial — praised by some for his commitment to his team, criticized by others for missing a significant personal milestone. Now, his recent admission about baby care has deepened that divide. (Yahoo Sports AU)
🔥 Public Reaction: Outrage, Disappointment and a Debate Over Parenting
Social-media users and fans were quickly vocal, many calling his comment “disrespectful,” “tone-deaf,” or “out of touch.” Some argued that by admitting he “can’t” change nappies, Moses reinforced outdated gender stereotypes about parenting duties. (Yahoo Sports AU)
Others have tried to defend him — noting that parenting arrangements differ from family to family, arguing that financial support and fatherly responsibility aren’t always about changing nappies. Still, the majority of the public reaction leaned critical, given his public spotlight and status as a role model. (Yahoo Sports AU)
Ultimately, many said that airing such a personal detail publicly, in the way he did, was a misjudgment — especially in a cultural moment where shared parenting and equality are more understood and expected than ever.
⚠️ Reputation & Career Implications for a High-Profile Athlete
The controversy threatens to impact Moses beyond personal criticism. As a prominent player for Parramatta Eels and former representative for NSW Blues, his public image matters: sponsors, fans, media, and club reputations often hold athletes to standards beyond their on-field performance — including their private-life choices.
This incident may affect how some fans view his commitment not just to football, but to fatherhood. For a player who once sacrificed his daughter’s birth to play in a crucial game — a decision already debated widely — this new revelation deepens scrutiny on his off-field life. (ABC)
🔄 What’s Next — Will Moses Address the Fallout?
It remains to be seen if Moses will respond publicly to the backlash. Some fans and media commentators believe he could recover from this with meaningful action — for instance, by showing more involvement with his family or reflecting publicly on shared parenting values.
Alternatively, if left unaddressed, the backlash could linger — affecting not just his reputation but how public and media treat similar admissions from professional athletes.
This controversy has sparked a broader conversation — not only about Moses — but about expectations for fatherhood, parenting roles, and how much public figures need to think before they speak about private life.
