Anthony Minichiello reveals why Matt Moylan’s future lies away from the foot of the mountains

FORMER Test star Anthony Minichiello says troubled Penrith star Matt Moylan will play for a different club in 2018 and here is why.

MATT Moylan has been linked to a blockbuster swap with Cronulla’s James Maloney after reportedly falling out with Penrith coach Anthony Griffin ahead of the NRL finals.

The Panthers’ premiership push was rocked days before their opening knockout final by news their embattled skipper would likely miss the entire finals campaign after seeking professional help.

KENT: The bake that saw Griffin lose Moylan

BULLDOG: Why Moylan was right to walk away from finals

HARD-LINE: Moylan not the only Panther grumpy under Griffin

Penrith boss Phil Gould was adamant on Monday the star pivot would remain at the club long term despite granting Moylan indefinite leave to deal with personal issues ahead of Saturday night’s elimination final against Manly. But Moylan has already been linked to a Sharks move in what would be a direct swap with Cronulla’s NSW playmaker Maloney.

Matt Moylan’s future at the Panthers is uncertain.

Gould stressed on Monday that Moylan’s working relationship with Griffin had not broken down but ex-Test flyer Anthony Minichiello expected the Penrith captain to walk.

“What I am hearing is that he and the coach don’t see eye-to-eye which is not a good sign,” Minichiello told Fox Sports’ NRL Tonight.

“You’d think they would be able to work through that during the season but what I am hearing is that isn’t happening.

“What does that mean? I think Matt Moylan will head to another club next year.”

There were reports Moylan had fallen out with Griffin as far back as last season.

Minichiello said NRL rivals would be rubbing their hands over the prospect of signing Moylan.

“He’s a great fullback and probably played even better at five-eighth,” he said. “I think clubs will be lining up to take him.”

Former Test backrower Nathan Hindmarsh believed Moylan’s absence would derail Penrith’s finals push.

“It’s a massive blow,” he told Fox Sports’ Monday Night with Matty Johns. “It’s not going to help their chances too much because he is such an important part of that side.

“If they are to go deep into the finals they need Matty Moylan in the side.”