Former Northern Sharks and Palmerston Raiders star Matti Moyle making strong impression in Q Cup Hastings Deering comp

Former Palmerston and Northern Sharks star Matti Moyle is making a strong impression at Northern Pride in Queensland’s premier under-21 competition, regularly smashing his opponents in defence. But off the field it’s a different story.

Matti Moyle is making a strong impression for Northern Pride in Queensland’s Hastings Deering under-21 competition. Picture: Stewart McLean

IF you’ve seen the highlights of Matti Moyle’s stunning round 6 game while playing for Northern Pride in the Q Cup Hastings Deering Colts competition, you’d be forgiven for thinking he’s always a high-energy guy.

The 19-year-old was judged the ‘Heavy Lifter’ – the best under-21 player in Queensland for the week – in his Cairns-based team’s 38-22 away win over Mackay Cutters back on May 22.

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The former Northern Sharks and Palmerston star was outstanding in that game, finishing with a hat-trick of tries and constantly smashing his opponents in defence.

In his first two tries, the tall backrower beat multiple defenders with his footwork and strength near the try-line.

And in defence, he showed no regard for self-preservation, often throwing himself into – and driving back – opposition players.

Off the field though, it’s a different story for the young talent on a Cowboys development contract.

“’I’ve always loved tackling and working on my technique,” he said.

“Yeah (I love being aggressive in defence) but I’m not like that in real life.

“I like to keep life and footy separate. When I’m not playing I try to relax and stay away from the game.”

This approach is certainly paying dividends for Moyle.

The next week he helped himself to two tries in Pride’s 54-28 loss to Brisbane Tigers, the Tigers being a feeder club for Melbourne Storm.

There’s no doubt he has been noticed by NRL talent scouts.

But Moyle – never one to get flustered – is not going to let his ambitions of playing at the fully-professional level bother him too much.

“It (whether I get offered an NRL contract) is touch and go,” he said.

“I’m not sure. My (Cowboys development) contract runs out at the end of this year, and hopefully I can get re-signed.

“I can only keep trying my hardest.

“I’m 19 now, so it’s nice to have the younger boys at this club look up to me.

“I like to set a good example.

“It’s so easy to improve at this club with the amount of quality coaches who want to help you.”

Moyle is grateful for the rugby league foundations he learnt while playing in Darwin.

“Coming from the NRL NT competition has been great for me,” he said.

“It’s a tough comp which breeds tough players.”