Moylan the Blues clutch specialist

Clutch specialist Matt Moylan has emerged as NSW’s go-to man if State of Origin I goes down to the wire.

Moylan has won a number of games at the death for Penrith with his composure under pressure.

After the Blues bombed a number of field goal chances in Origin I last year, that ultimately cost them the series, rookie fullback Moylan could be the man to kick them to victory this year.

Rookie halfback Adam Reynolds is another option. But Moylan’s Panthers teammate Josh Mansour, who will also make his Origin debut at ANZ Stadium on Wednesday, has backed Moylan to step up to the plate when the pressure is on.

“Everyone knows what Matty can bring to the table, he is a very composed player and he brings a lot to this squad,” Moylan.

“He is captain at Penrith, he has some great leadership, those ball playing skills and he has won us plenty of games at the depth.

“Him kicking field goals hasn’t been a focus this week, but it is always good to have that in your bag, that is one of Matty’s greatest strengths.”

Moylan’s Blues teammates have constantly spoken of their surprise at his ‘silky’ skills during training at their Coffs Harbour base in the lead-up to Origin I. Those skills are set to give NSW another attacking dimension according to returning five-eighth James Maloney.

“It give us a different set of skills to Dugan who is more of a runner,” Maloney said.

“Matt gives you that pass option and some ball playing too and we will have to make sure we play to those strengths,” Maloney said.

“Obviously (Blues coach) Laurie (Daley) has picked him in the side for that reason.”

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