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The time is right for a Matt Moylan move

The Panthers take on Manly in the last game of the NRL regular season. (AAP Image/Paul Miller)
Roar Guru
26th June, 2016
17

The perfect opportunity has arisen for the Panthers’ fullback Matt Moylan to make a move to five-eighth and begin the next chapter of his career.

After watching Matt Moylan’s performances in recent weeks, I truly believe that it is now the perfect time for the Panthers to move their captain into the halves. This will not only help him better his own game, but also those around him.

There’s been plenty of talk of Moylan moving into the No.6 jersey ever since his career began, with many believing he could make a switch like that of Broncos legend Darren Lockyer. The similarities in their game are uncanny, with Moylan’s finesse and ball-playing his main assets.

At this moment in time the Panthers have dropped regular five-eighth Jamie Soward, and his replacement Te Maire Martin is currently out for the season with a shoulder injury. Coach Anthony Griffin has opted to pair rookie halfback Nathan Cleary with second rower Bryce Cartwright, keeping Moylan at the back, but wouldn’t it make sense to push Moylan into the front line?

The move would not only allow Cartwright to move to his familiar position in the backrow, but it would also let Dallin Watene-Zelezniak slot in at fullback and help his development as well. Again, it gives a youngster a chance to slot in the vacant wing spot he leaves, and puts more responsibility on Moylan’s shoulders, however as being captain of his club at age 24, he has shown maturity beyond his years and would be unfazed with the extra work.

Moylan’s playing style is much like that of a half, and it is evident in his regular NRL games and State of Origin appearances. Against the Sea Eagles a few weeks ago, the Panthers only clicked into gear when Moylan made his mark, sending players through for linebreaks and setting up tries. While Cleary and Cartwright were doing a fine job by themselves, they lacked the finesse, maturity and class Moylan showed.

Similarly, in his two State of Origin appearances, Moylan’s ball playing ability was on display, however his kick returns lacked gusto and he was shaky under the high ball. Many people have called on for Tigers’ fullback James Tedesco to don the No.1 jersey for the Blues, which I agree with, and if Moylan makes a move into five-eighth, this would allow ‘Teddy’ to get his chance, which would no boost the Blues’ chances for victory.

Of course, this move should not happen until Moylan changes positions at club level, but it is definitely something that should be taken into account in the future, particularly with incumbent five-eighth James Maloney getting older each and every year.

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If for some reason you’re reading this, Anthony Griffin, please name Matt Moylan to five-eighth when your team takes on the Wests Tigers this weekend. It will not only improve his game, but those around him, and would be the best option to go with for the future of the club.

What do you think of the idea? Should Moylan make the move or should the Panthers persist for a little longer? Let me know what you think in the comments below.

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