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.
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.
Albo
Guest
Spot on Jack ! Barring injuries , this will be the future of the Panthers ! At last, a set of halves !! Moylan is a fullback and is most potent in attack from that position. Has to improve his defence however before fans will really get excited.
QConners
Roar Pro
Yes totally agree with that. Although I do believe Moylan would make a great five-eighth, when you have talent such as Martin and Cleary coming through, I would be keeping Moylan in fullback and attempting to create a strong, sensational spine for the future.
TheEroticGamer
Roar Rookie
Martin isn't out for the season, Anthony Griffin after the Souths game said he'll most likely be back in 3-4 weeks time. Martin is viewed as an insanely bright talent in the same way Cleary is. The thing is that Martin is a 5/8 and Cleary is a 1/2, with play styles that will complement each other with absolute perfection. Martin with great attacking spark and Cleary with composure and great control. Moylan won't be moved as him and Cleary are still getting used to each other in their current positions. Moylan would have nowhere to go other than fullback. 1.Moylan 6.Martin 7.Cleary 9.Wallace Unless they were to move Martin to hooker as he has some experience there, Moylan will stay at fullback, no question.
Mickey Horner
Guest
Absolutely agree! I have said this for a while. However I don't necessarily think it needs to wait until he pulls on the no6 shirt for Penrith before he is given the NSW no6 shirt. It is the right time now in game 3 to look to the future. He's had a taste of origin now and will be better for it. Although I'm his biggest fan, his kick returns are no where near as strong as tedescos. If Laurie wants to save his skin he needs to show some vision for the future.
Albo
Guest
I wouldn't be moving Moylan from fullback. His greatest asset is his injection into the game from any point in attack. His defence is not good enough to be making 30 x tackles a match on targeting boppa's trying to break him as a five eighth. Leave him at fullback. Next year at Penrith the combination of Cleary & Te Mare Martin will be the halves and hopefully for a long time. In my opinion you play Moylan at fullback for NSW for his attacking creativity or you don't play him at all. If you want a tough hard running fullback that doesn't pass the ball you go for Tedesco or Dugan. The problem I see is that NSW lacks any creativity at all with the ball from the current set of halves and backs, and the like of Moylan is one spark of creativity, albeit he has yet to show too much in the first two games, probably because he was not demanding enough of the ball. Add Cartwright to the mix and we might finally have some creativity to trouble the QLD side.
Albo
Guest
Both unsigned for next year ! Seems they aren't the answer it seems ? Rather strange since they keep persisting with that mistake-a-thon Waqa Blake !
armchair expert
Guest
To be fair Penrith aren't the only team playing a reserve grader in their backline. Yes I'm looking at you Fergo
Leviathan
Roar Rookie
What about George and Robert Jennings?
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Yep, Penrith are struggling for outside backs at the moment, though Peachey is a pretty capable fill in. I suppose there's another option and they could ease Moylan into defending in the line by playing him at centre if 5/8th is the long game for him.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Fair enough...Whare and Hiku are out for the year.
Leviathan
Roar Rookie
Interestingly enough he's(93) 14 tackles ahead of Boyd (79) and close to double the tackles of Tedesco (47), Hopoate (43), Wighton (55), Mitchell (48) and Barba (42) which suggests to me he's been spending a bit of time in the front line, perhaps in preparation of the move?
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Hardaker is indeed a fullback, though he has played to a good standard in the centres where Penrith are struggling for depth right now (they're playing a back row forward and a reserve grader in the centres), I suspect he'll actually be used there to free up Peachey into the back row and get Merrin back to lock.
The Barry
Roar Guru
I think it's pretty good timing. Haven't they just signed Zac Hardaker from the ESL as well? I haven't seen much of him but isn't his preferred position fullback? It could foreshadow Moylan's move to the halves. I agree with the author that Moylan can't be picked at 6 in Origin until he's put in some time there in the NRL. It's not his quality as a ball player that's the question, it's how he copes with the extra workload defending in the front line.
Andréa Mandadakis
Roar Guru
It's a good point you make there, but I think it could be exactly what the Panthers need to go up that extra gear. In the end you're putting 3 players in their natural positions and I think it could be a gamechanger. No one would expect what to come from them and they could all produce some awesome footy. The time is now mate. I'd love to see a NSW spine of Tedesco, Moylan, Reynolds and Peats for the future.
Ken
Guest
I like the thinking, and with their current playing stocks it does seem to be a good time. I suppose the argument against is that we're getting closer to the business end of the season, they are an edge of the eight team that has had a problem with stability in the spine. Every game is getting crucial and the combinations, with Moylan a steadying presence at fullback, are currently working pretty well. Moving him to a new position, with DWZ to fullback and Cartwright back to the forwards could be seen as an unnecessary risk when they really can't afford to drop winnable games. Wouldn't be at all surprised to see it next year though, considering that Soward & Wallace appear done in the halves.
Baracuda
Guest
DL 2.0?
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
I'm sold. After watching him searching for runners in Origin 2, I think he should be 5/8. Though I think that million metre pass across field at the end of the game was just magic. Captain, too, if you ask me. #MoylanNSWcaptain