New Penrith Panthers coach Anthony Griffin has made his first big announcement, unveiling 24-year-old Matt Moylan as the club’s new captain.
“I’ve been here now three months and made sure I’ve taken my time with this decision. He’s a very composed young man,” Griffin said.
“He’s already achieved a hell of a lot in his short career, bearing in mind he still hasn’t turned 25 yet.”
Griffin, who replaced Ivan Cleary as Panthers head coach last October, told Moylan he had the gig last week, after ensuring the fullback-cum-five-eighth wanted the job.
“I had a chat to him and just wanted to make sure from his end that he was the right person,” he said.
“The biggest thing was he said he wanted the job and he wanted the responsibility.
“It wasn’t something that he questioned in himself or questioned my decision to ask him about it. That’s what convinced me that it was the right time to go with him.”
Moylan, who will be the youngest captain in the NRL this season, said he would lead by example, allowing other senior players to do the talking.
“With the senior players we’ve got here and with (Peter Wallace), (Jamie Soward) guys like that that have done the job before, it was a bit of a surprise.
“But I’m ready for the challenge. It’ll help me going forward as a footy player.”
The announcement further clouds Wallace’s future at the foot of the mountains. The former NSW halfback returned to Penrith after being shown the door at Brisbane by Griffin, and the coach’s arrival has set tongues wagging that Wallace could be moved on again. Being replaced as club captain doesn’t exactly quash those rumours, although Griffin did his best to.
“Pete’s got a lot on his plate at the moment. He’s coming back from two knee reconstructions,” Griffin said.
“He’ll be a real good help to Matt, but the decision I made is about what I saw right at this time and at this time I want to help Pete with his immediate playing future.
“Hopefully he gets through the season without injury. He’s had a terrible run. That’s his main priority at the moment.”
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