SuperCoach 2019 Player in Focus: Strong case for fullback Matt Moylan

Cronulla utility Matt Moylan is set for a return to fullback in 2019. We’ve analysed what it means for his SuperCoach output, including his recent history in the custodian role.

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A return to fullback should place Matt Moylan firmly on the radar of all SuperCoaches.

The departure of Valentine Holmes, and signing of Shaun Johnson, has forced Moylan into the custodian role.

After expressing his desire to shift to five-eighth, Moylan made the move midway through the 2017 season with Penrith.

It remains to be seen how the move will impact the Sharks, regardless, it’s a massive win for SuperCoaches.

SuperCoach Player in Focus: Matt Moylan

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Moylan has been a star at fullback in the past.

In 2017, he averaged 62.2 points in 10 games in the role.

Following his switch to the halves, Moylan managed just 55.6 points per game across eight appearances.

In two full seasons at the back in 2015 and 2016, Moylan produced keeper-like averages of 61 and 63 respectively.

In two appearances at the back in 2018, Moylan scored 83 and 22 against eventual premiers the Sydney Roosters and St George Illawarra Dragons.

Matt Moylan’s SuperCoach output could benefit from a move to fullback. (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)

As a dual fullback/five-eighth for the upcoming season, Moylan is priced at $483,500 based on an average of just 51.6 points last year.

If as history suggests he averages above 60 points, he could be set for a $100k rise with potential to become a season-long keeper.

Furthermore, Moylan’s time in the halves gave him ample opportunity to develop as a ball player.

Last season, he was ranked third in the NRL for linebreak assists (22) and seventh in try assists (18).

Reduced tackles, but far more hit-ups per game, mean Moylan’s base stats are unlikely to be impacted too significantly.

Moylan excelled at fullback for Penrith as a SuperCoach player. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

He averaged 24 points in base last season at five-eighth, while falling marginally shorter at 23 in 2016 at the back.

Despite this, the substantial increase in his running game opens the window to amass additional attacking stats.

In 2017, Moylan averaged 14 runs in 10 games at fullback, compared to just 6.4 per game in eight appearances at five-eighth.

Adding to his appeal as a Round 1 purchase, Moylan has the ability to hit three figures as frequently as any genuine gun in the game.

In his last 14 games as a regular fullback for Penrith, he scored over 100 points on five occasions.

Moylan is well-priced with dual positioning in 2019. (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts)

Cronulla face Newcastle, Gold Coast, North Queensland and Parramatta in their first four rounds — all of whom finished 11th or below last season.

The only obvious negative is that it may take some time to forge combinations alongside Johnson.

Fortunately, a slower than expected start from Moylan would likely be countered by his affordable price and strong pedigree when wearing the No. 1.

Moylan, James Tedesco, Tom Trbojevic and a basement price cheapie looks a well-balanced combination to fill the fullback/five-eighth spots.

VERDICT: Buy

While he’s up against stiff competition at five-eighth/fullback, Moylan can be purchased at a discount of over $200k to the highly popular James Tedesco and Tom Trbojevic. Look to move on once he’s maxed out in price and either of the aforementioned pairing, or Kalyn Ponga, have bottomed out.

Originally published as SuperCoach 2019 Player in Focus: Strong case for fullback Matt Moylan