‘World class player’: Sharks star released to take up Super League deal

Matt Moylan’s days in the NRL are over after signing a two-year deal with English Super League side Leigh.

Moylan, who still had a year remaining on his contract at the Sharks, lost his regular starting spot in the second half of last season and had been in discussions over a potential move.

Leigh, who won the 2023 Challenge Cup final under head coach Adrian Lam, have confirmed the signing of Moylan who is set to partner Lachlan Lam in the halves.

Leopards head of rugby Chris Chester confirmed Moylan’s signing and the role of the head coach in the recruitment coup.

“Adrian got on a plane and met with Matt and his agent, Allan Gainey, face to face,” Chester said.

“He was able to explain what we want as a club, what we are looking to achieve, and his own coaching philosophy.

Cronulla Sharks five-eighth Matt Moylan.Credit: Getty

“Matt is a world-class player and his CV speaks for itself. Everyone I’ve spoken to says he’s an unbelievable person, and one of those who leads with his actions on the field.

“Matt will take us to the next level. He’s a running half … a good goalkicker and he’s a good defender.

“It’s a huge statement of intent by the club and great for our town. It’s huge for us as a club that we have attracted a top-quality halfback over from the NRL.”

Moylan played three State of Origin games for NSW and one Test for Australia, all in 2016.

Moylan, who represented NSW and Australia in 2016, played second fiddle to Braydon Trindall as Nicho Hynes’ halves partner in the lead-up to the finals, and wasn’t in Cronulla’s 17-man squad for the one-point loss to the Roosters in week one of the finals.

In the last two years Moylan has largely managed to overcome the injury struggles which plagued the majority of his career, featuring in 44 NRL matches throughout 2022-23.

At his best he was elevated to the Penrith captaincy and was capped three times by the Blues in the 2016 series. He also had a single Test appearance for Australia in the same year.

Moylan returned to pre-season training with the Sharks last week.

His exit frees up a roster spot for the Sharks, who are also wrangling with the future of utility Connor Tracey, who was given permission to test the market before officially becoming a free agent on November 1.

The Dragons have registered interest in bringing the 27-year-old to the Red V, and would be open to any move happening in time before the start of next season.

Tracey is still under contract at the Sharks until the end of 2024.

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