Few have followed Penrith rookie fullback Matt Moylan’s stunning rise more closely than club great Greg Alexander.
Still, nothing could quite prepare Alexander for what he witnessed at the recent Penrith club presentation night when Moylan collected the Player of the Year gong.
“It showed a package of his highlights this season and it was extraordinary to watch,” he told AAP.
Alexander – the captain of Penrith’s maiden title-winning team in 1991 – arrived at the presentation night a big Moylan fan.
He left convinced that Moylan was the key to the Panthers ending an 11-year premiership drought.
“He is not a potential star anymore. Throw the word `potential’ away – he’s been outstanding,” Alexander said.
“His ability to break open the defence is remarkable.
“He is the key man for Penrith.”
Immortal Andrew Johns has also liked what he has seen.
When Moylan made his NRL debut in 2013, Johns joked that the baby-faced fullback looked more like a member of boy band One Direction.
These days, Moylan, 23, reminds Johns of someone else with a distinctive voice – husky throated Broncos legend Darren Lockyer.
“I watched him a lot growing up. (He’s) one of the best that’s ever played the game, so you’d probably be stupid if you weren’t watching guys like that,” Moylan said of Lockyer.
Remarkably Moylan was not guaranteed the Penrith No.1 jersey in the pre-season.
“Yeah there were a few other guys in the running there – Kevvie (Naiqama), Will (Smith) and probably Dal (Dallin Watene Zelezniak) as well,” Moylan told AAP.
“I had to have a big off season and trial well. They told me I had the first crack there but had to perform and keep training hard.”
Hard-marking Penrith coach Ivan Cleary added: “We’d like to think everyone’s position was in doubt, really.
“You’ve got to earn your spot.
“That’s how it’s been and Matt’s certainly done that.”
Moylan had never made a representative side before he arrived at Penrith – now he is touted as a Four Nations bolter.
But Alexander believed Moylan had already achieved something special this season – he has got Penrith believing they can claim title No.3.
Moylan seemed to be everywhere before pivot Jamie Soward kicked the winning field goal in their 19-18 NRL qualifying win over defending champions Sydney Roosters two weeks ago.
And all eyes will be on Moylan again – especially from around Penrith way – in Saturday night’s preliminary final against the Bulldogs.
“The win against the Roosters was their best since the 2003 grand final,” Alexander said.
“It’s got everyone hoping and believing again.”
