For the first time since arriving in the Shire, Matt Moylan is injury free and ready to rediscover his best form.
Moylan (hamstring) and Josh Dugan (groin) have been cleared and shape as big ins for Cronulla ahead of Saturday’s NRL blockbuster against the Sydney Roosters.
Five-eighth Moylan missed the side’s wins over Parramatta and Melbourne, but coach Shane Flanagan revealed Moylan had been battling the injury in his first two appearances in the black, white and blue.
The key recruit looked below his best in the opening two rounds and Flanagan said the decision to rest him was done with the hope he’d fully recover and get clear air for the rest of the season.
“Matty started the year in reasonable form but he was playing with injury,” Flanagan said.
“He battled along and it didn’t get any better. That’s why we had to rest him and the two weeks have been for a long-term benefit for Matty, so we’re not battling this injury week after week after week.
“He’s back now, he’s trained without any strapping on his leg which is a good sign. Touch wood we can roll through the rest of the season. The knee was causing the hamstring so we’re over that.”
In Moylan’s absence, back-up half Trent Hodkinson led the team to two victories and could pose a selection headache for Flanagan down the track.
Flanagan said he was prepared to play Hodkinson in the starting side if his form warranted it.
And the Sharks do have options with Moylan capable of moving to fullback where he started his career with Penrith.
He could also push James Segeyaro for the bench utility role.
For the moment, Hodkinson has been named on an extended bench but Flanagan predicted he’d play an important part for the team throughout the year.
“Hodko knew the role he was coming here for – to play NRL when he needed,” Flanagan said.
“If his form is good enough then he’ll play there week in, week out.
“We need a strong roster and players like Trent in our squad.”