The Penrith Panthers have locked in two of their outstanding young playmakers for the near future, with local products Matt Moylan and Bryce Cartwright extending their contracts with the side until 2021.
Moylan has enjoyed a rapid rise to the rank of representative player this year, playing all three State of Origin matches for the NSW Blues and capping off his season with a call-up to Mal Meninga’s Prime Minister’s XIII squad to make the trip to Papua New Guinea this weekend.
Moylan was the catalyst for the Panthers’ run into the second week of the finals, turning in an inspired second-half performance against the Bulldogs to guide Penrith to a dominant 28-12 win in the qualifying finals.
Unfortunately for the side, he was unable to produce a repeat performance one week later against the Raiders, but, at just 25 years old, Moylan nonetheless remains as one of the game’s brightest playmaking talents.
“To play for my hometown club and to represent the people of Penrith is an honour and a privilege,” Moylan said.
“With the squad we have and the direction that we’re heading, I’m sure we’re building towards something special.
“It’s great to secure my future at the club and to know that I can be part of that journey.”
While Cartwright is yet to make his Blues debut yet, he is seen as a player New South Wales could call on in future years, after being included in the state’s squad as a development player this year.
The 21-year-old five-eighth is just the latest member of his family to represent the Panthers, with Cartwright’s grandfather, father and two uncles all playing for the Penrith club.
“I’m honoured that the Panthers have shown such faith in me and I’m ecstatic to commit my future to the club,” Cartwright said.
“This club has been my home for a long time now and I couldn’t see myself playing anywhere else.”
The signings mean the Panthers have a bright outlook for the coming years, with fellow young guns Nathan Cleary and Josh Mansour both under contract until the end of 2019 and 2018 respectively.
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