CRONULLA SHARKS’ veteran halfback Matt Moylan is set to make a shock move to Super League.
The Leigh Leopards have swooped for the playmaker in order to fill the void left by the departed Ben Reynolds, with Moylan set to partner Papua New Guinea international Lachlan Lam in the halves – something which should be a mouthwatering prospect for Leigh fans.
Moylan lost his own starting spot in the halves for Cronulla midway through the 2023 NRL season, whilst the Leopards lifted the 2023 Challenge Cup.
Leigh Leopards head of rugby Chris Chester revealed that head coach Adrian Lam met up with Moylan in Australia to clinch the signing, which represents one of the biggest in club history.
Chester said: “Adrian got on a plane and met with Matt and his agent, Allan Gainey, face to face. He was able to explain what we want as a club, what we are looking to achieve, and his own coaching philosophy.
“Matt is a world class player, and his CV speaks for itself. Everyone I’ve spoken to says he’s an unbelievable person, and one of those who leads with his actions on the field. He’s a great professional and an extremely hard working and talented player.
“Matt will take us to the next level. He’s a running half so that will give us threats on both sides of the field. He’s got great leg speed, he’s durable- he played 24 games last year and 20 this- he’s a good goalkicker, and he’s a good defender.
“It’s a huge statement of intent by the club and great for our town. It’s huge for us as a club that we have attracted a top-quality halfback over from the NRL.
“It’s no secret we have needed a halfback since Ben Reynolds left. I watch a lot of NRL and Matt is a player I’ve long admired. We have certainly signed a player of great quality.”
Moylan made his NRL debut for Penrith Panthers in 2013 and played fullback until switching to halfback midway through his final season with the club. He played alongside new Leopards’ team-mate Zak Hardaker in 2016 and upon joining Cronulla teamed up with Ricky Leutele, another key player in the Leopards squad of 2024.
Matt Moylan has made 191 appearances in the NRL, 89 for Penrith and 102 for Cronulla, scoring 37 tries and kicking 33 goals and his impressive representative career takes him over the 200-game mark.
Born in Baulkham Hills, 19 miles north-west of Sydney, he played three seasons in Penrith’s under-20s team and then spent a year playing with Windsor Wolves in the NSW Cup in 2012 before making his NRL breakthrough.
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