New club's claim about Matt Moylan after abrupt exit from Cronulla Sharks
Matt Moylan will leave the club after a rollercoaster time at the Sharks.
The enigmatic Matt Moylan was a player who could both torture and thrill Cronulla fans in the space of 80 minutes. At his best, there were few more gifted ball players in the NRL.
On his worst days, Moylan was often the lightning rod for criticism from Sharks fans. If he had a stinker, chances are Cronulla was having a stinker. Now, in what seems a good move for both player and club, Moylan is on the move.
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The veteran playmaker, who racked up 102 games for Cronulla and 89 for Penrith while also representing NSW and Australia, has been released from the final year of his contract to take up a two-year deal with ambitious Super League outfit Leigh Leopards.
"The Sharks thank him for his efforts over the past six years and wish him every success with his move to the UK and in his future endeavours," the club confirmed in a statement.
The Leopards, coached by former Roosters and Queensland half-back Adrian Lam, won last year's Challenge Cup and believe Moylan is just the player they need to press for further silverware.
The club's Head of Rugby, Chris Chester, said: "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 (year) – he’s a good goal-kicker 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 half-back over from the NRL. I watch a lot of NRL and Matt is a player I've long admired. We have certainly signed a player of great quality."
Braydon Trindall to shine in Matt Moylan's absence
The 32-year-old's departure from Shark Park gives Braydon Trindall clear space to build on his promising halves combination with Dally M medallist Nicho Hynes.
Trindall replaced Moylan at five-eighth late last season and turned in a number of solid performances. Moylan's departure will leave Cronulla around $300-400,000 to spend should they look to add a new player to their roster ahead of the 2024 campaign.
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