Embattled Penrith star Matt Moylan is no certainty to resume the NRL captaincy when he returns from his leave of absence, according to club boss Phil Gould.
Moylan is unlikely to play any part in the Panthers’ finals series after being granted indefinite leave on Monday to address personal issues.
Following speculation the 26-year-old was on the outer at Penrith, Gould said Moylan had struggled with the pressure of captaincy and form but is committed long-term to the club.
“Right from the first words that came out of his mouth today, Matt was 100 per cent committed to the club,” Gould said.
“He loves the club, loves the Panthers, and wants to be here for the rest of his career. We signed him for five years only 12 months ago and we certainly want that to be the case.
“We’ll do everything in our power to make that possible for him.”
However, Gould admits Panthers officials would discuss the prospect of Moylan retaining his leadership role when he eventually returns.
The former NSW State of Origin star was into his second year as club captain.
“When he comes back, we’ll make a decision on that,” Gould said.
“He was identified by the club and the coach as a local junior, obviously one of our best players and he certainly had that leadership quality in him.
“We knew it would take time to develop over time and I think Matt was too high in his expectations of himself and put a lot of pressure on himself with that.”
Gould said the club tried to lighten the load on Moylan with the help of veterans Peter Wallace and Trent Merrin, with the former currently deputising in Moylan’s absence.
“But still with Matt, there are some issues. And it’s not just around his leadership,” Gould said.
“It’s around his own football team, injury, his body, maintenance, and the way he’s coping with the physical demands of the game.
“He recently moved to five-eighth, which was another experience for him too.
“It’s just all catching up with him a little bit and it’s manifested itself into a few little issues around the club which are out of character.”
The Panthers face Manly in an elimination final on Saturday.