Matt Moylan is still the go-to man for Penrith despite Nathan Cleary’s latest breakout performance, insists coach Anthony Griffin.
Moylan is a certain starter for Saturday’s NRL clash with Gold Coast after missing last week’s win over the Warriors. Halves partner Cleary bagged a personal tally of 22 points.
It was a night to remember for the competition’s leading pointscorer. However, Griffin is adamant it won’t change their original game plan when Moylan takes to the field.
“I don’t see a lot of change. Last time Matt played was against Manly and we had a good night that night. I don’t see a lot of change there,” Griffin told reporters on Friday.
“Nathan ran the team really well last week and Matt will add to that.
“Last week was a good opportunity to take more responsibility and that will only add to his performance, no matter if Matt’s there or not.”
Veteran Peter Wallace also makes his long-awaited return from a groin injury that had robbed him of a fairytale State of Origin return for NSW on the eve of this year’s series opener.
His inclusion is a major boost for a Panthers side who remain two points behind eighth-placed St George Illawarra with seven games remaining.
The Titans are one of four teams another win behind in 12th spot after last week upsetting Cronulla for the second time this year.
Griffin is convinced a full-strength Titans are the real deal after taking down a number of premiership heavyweights this season, including ladder leaders Melbourne.
“They compete very hard – they’ve beaten the Sharks twice and Melbourne once,” he said.
“I watched the game last week really closely and they’ve got a really good side; experience, size off the bench and class there with (Ashley) Taylor and (Jarryd) Hayne out the back.
“They’re a real serious football team. They’ve had their troubles during the year with injuries and that’s probably the only thing that’s been holding them back.”
The returns of Moylan and Wallace mean rookie Tyrone May and back-up rake Mitch Rein have been left out, while Moses Leota deputises for the injured Trent Merrin at lock.
For the Titans, Morgan Boyle replaces Pat Politoni as an interchange and Kane Elgey is still a chance to return off the extended bench.
STATS THAT MATTER:
* Of the 15 matches between these two sides, the team leading at halftime have never lost. Penrith are eight from eight, and the Titans are four from four
* Titans coach Neil Henry has his best record against the Panthers, winning 11 of 16 matches
* Penrith are looking to be the first team since Parramatta in 2006 to make the finals after starting the season with two wins from nine games or worse.
