Why Matt Moylan was right to walk away from the 2017 NRL finals

IT’S clear that the fun has gone out of footy for Matt Moylan and the Penrith skipper made a brave choice to step away from the game.

North Queensland Cowboys v Penrith Panthers from 1300 Smiles Stadium, Townsville. Panthers Matt Moylan walks off the field after the loss. Picture: Zak Simmonds

I SHARED a quiet beer with Matt Moylan at Manly Skiff Club last summer.

He had ducked across to Sydney’s northern beaches and was in good spirits — fun, laughing and enjoying a seafood platter.

No ego, no drama, he was catching up with well-known Panthers supporter, Lou Zivanovic, a close friend of mine.

Moylan was a typical young bloke with an infectious laugh relishing life.

It seems clear that footy isn’t fun for Matt Moylan anymore.

Rugby league though can pile pressure on unsuspecting players, particularly when you are captain and the face of a huge western Sydney NRL club.

The fun seems to have drained from Moylan’s life at the moment.

Right now, Moylan is ready to address mental health issues, just as Greg Inglis did earlier this season.

Seemingly laconic, laid-back Moylan was the last bloke you’d think would feel stress.

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But external body language can be deceiving. A big hit on the field can’t always mask deep-seated personal issues.

Moylan needs time away from rugby league. Those close say he just hasn’t been himself.

The duress and tension in rugby league can be suffocating.

Some need to walk away and find some fresh air. It takes courage.

Life is far more important than rugby league.