Clutch specialist Matt Moylan has emerged as NSW’s go-to man if State of Origin I goes down to the wire.
Moylan has won a number of games at the death for Penrith with his composure under pressure.
After the Blues bombed a number of field goal chances in Origin I last year, that ultimately cost them the series, rookie fullback Moylan could be the man to kick them to victory this year.
Rookie halfback Adam Reynolds is another option. But Moylan’s Panthers teammate Josh Mansour, who will also make his Origin debut at ANZ Stadium on Wednesday, has backed Moylan to step up to the plate when the pressure is on.
“Everyone knows what Matty can bring to the table, he is a very composed player and he brings a lot to this squad,” Moylan.
“He is captain at Penrith, he has some great leadership, those ball playing skills and he has won us plenty of games at the depth.
“Him kicking field goals hasn’t been a focus this week, but it is always good to have that in your bag, that is one of Matty’s greatest strengths.”
Moylan’s Blues teammates have constantly spoken of their surprise at his ‘silky’ skills during training at their Coffs Harbour base in the lead-up to Origin I. Those skills are set to give NSW another attacking dimension according to returning five-eighth James Maloney.
“It give us a different set of skills to Dugan who is more of a runner,” Maloney said.
“Matt gives you that pass option and some ball playing too and we will have to make sure we play to those strengths,” Maloney said.
“Obviously (Blues coach) Laurie (Daley) has picked him in the side for that reason.”
Train Without A Terminus
Guest
My money's on Gal calling for it all night and posting amazing stats in a losing side - again.
Jara W
Guest
With Farah at dummy half you might need more than one solid option. Matter of fact I'd be getting the other 16 to practice just in case.
Albo
Guest
Spot on Joe ! Moylan is the only choice as fullback, as we are so lacking any creative halves !
Joe
Roar Rookie
Moylan is worth a shot but I don't really agree with those saying that this type of attacking fullback is what NSW has been missing all these years. Brett Stewart and Jarryd Hayne were both NSW fullbacks in this era and they are both very skilful attacking fullbacks. Hayne has pretty much all the skills plus size and speed and they still lost a few although they did play him on the wing most of the time. In this instance however the choice being Moylan and Dugan, they've definitely gone the right direction with Moylan.
Albo
Guest
Moylan, has not been picked for his defensive qualities. He has been picked to provide some creativity in attack, running with and using the ball, the major thing NSW has lacked for a decade. Hopefully , Gallen & Bird won't hog the ball all night, and leave Moylan a few opportunities to do some creating.
TrueBlue
Guest
Since Dugan is a mainstay in any Laurie Blues team, subject to fitness of course, maybe he should put him on the wing to still allow him to bring the ball back strongly. That would allow someone like BJ who's starting to knock the door down with his performances. I hope BJ can keep it up through next year then surely he'd be a chance.
sham
Guest
This could work in reverse - he is not a strong one on one defender - don't expect him to stop anyone with any size. A fullback like Dugan, on the other hand can stop a big forward in his tracks one on one.
Disco Stu
Roar Rookie
Definitely something to consider in both selection and planning though. Without checking the stats, I know many games/series have been won or lost on the strength of a field goal kicking option. While you might not pick a player specifically for their field goal abilities, the team should definitely know who is the go-to man before they take the field. They shouldn't be guessing who is their best option in the 79th minute.
TrueBlue
Guest
Talk about putting pressure on the poor fella before he's even played his first game. Hope he goes well.