Matt Moylan says he can ‘cope’ and ‘handle’ the NSW fullback spot if selected

WITH James Tedesco injured and Josh Dugan likely to move to the centres, Matt Moylan has declared he would do the Blues fullback spot justice if he’s selected.

Matt Moylan says he could handle being the NSW fullback. Pic Brett Costello

PANTHERS skipper Matt Moylan boarded a plane for Christchurch on Tuesday — and the next time he flies out of Sydney could be to Coffs Harbour for Origin camp with his new NSW teammates.

A shoulder injury to James Tedesco and Josh Dugan’s likely move to the centres means the race for the Blues’ No. 1 jumper is suddenly down to Moylan and North Queensland’s Lachlan Coote.

After a shocking run with injuries, Moylan told The Daily Telegraph he was simply happy to be back playing for the Panthers this season.

But with only two games to be played before coach Laurie Daley picks his side for Origin I, Moylan said he would be more than ready to do the all-important NSW fullback role justice.

One thing in Moylan’s favour will be the Panthers playing two teams outside the top eight, including the Warriors in Christchurch on Saturday, followed by the Gold Coast Titans at home.

For Coote, the premiers face a tough road trip to Melbourne, then host Brisbane in a grand final replay.

“It would be a dream come true if it happened,’’ Moylan said of an Origin call-up.

“Origin is definitely another step up, but if it all happened and I ended up there, I’d cope with it and handle it.

Matt Moylan checks in at Sydney Airport for Penrith's game in New Zealand. Pic Brett Costello

“Because I hadn’t played so long, I hadn’t really thought much about (Origin), and the main focus was getting the injuries right. But I know if I’m playing well enough my form will warrant selection.’’

Moylan broke down 12 months ago with an ankle injury that still requires weekly attention. His start to the 2016 campaign was delayed by back spasms, while a quad strain suffered last round ruled him out of contention for the City Origin side.

But Moylan declared himself a certain starter this weekend where Panthers’ teammate Bryce Cartwright can also press his Blues’ claims.

A bolter for a NSW bench spot, Cartwright possessed some rare attacking skills that most backrowers in the NRL could only dream of, said Moylan.

“There were a few standouts in that City team, and he (Cartwright) was definitely one of them,’’ Moylan said.

“He’s a skilful backrower, and I don’t think there are too many people playing in the backrow who can do some of the stuff he does in attack. We see it all the time at training so we’re not really shocked when he does something special. But he still does the occasional thing where you just shake your head and wonder, ‘how did he do that’.’’

The Panthers sit in eighth spot, but could just as easily be in the top four had a few close matches gone their way.