Club focus for Origin hopeful Moylan

Fine-tuning the art of captaincy, staying injury-free and beating the Warriors are Matt Moylan’s priorities this week.

Somewhere deep in the backblocks of his mind is State of Origin selection.

An in-form Moylan will lead Penrith into their mid-table NRL clash with the Warriors in Christchurch on Saturday, where another slick performance would weight to his push for the NSW fullback berth.

A shoulder injury to James Tedesco and the possibility that Josh Dugan will be shifted to the centres for the Origin series opener could turn the battle for the Blues No.1 jumper into a two horse race.

North Queensland custodian Lachlan Coote has been in irrepressible form this season, but there’s little doubt NSW coach Laurie Daley will have appreciated Moylan’s contributions in his five games since returning from a pre-season back injury.

Hitting form so quickly was a bonus, having missed the second half of last season with a serious ankle injury.

The 24-year-old admits Origin football is a level he wants to one day attain, but he can’t afford to focus on it.

“Coming off a long lay-off from injury, I was just trying to get back out there and focus on playing good footy for the club,” he said.

“That sort of stuff (Origin) takes care of itself. If you’re playing well enough, you’ll be in the frame for it.

“I’ve still got to improve and develop that consistency again but I’m feeling good. The body’s used to the grind again.”

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