Panthers’ Moylan needs to relax: Griffin

Penrith coach Anthony Griffin has urged embattled star Matt Moylan to relax as the star fullback attempts to restore his reputation as captain of the club.

Moylan’s leadership has come under heavy scrutiny since he was one of three players dropped to reserve grade a fortnight ago for breaking team curfew in Melbourne.

He returned to first grade in the Panthers’ last-start loss to Cronulla but remains under the pump to deliver the team out of their 2-5 hole heading into Saturday’s derby against Parramatta.

“Matt’s still very early in his career as far as it goes with NRL players – seventy-five games and first year as captain,” Griffin told reporters on Friday.

“I think if you look through history, a lot of our really great captains have lost their way a few times over the years, particularly early in their tenure.

“Matt hasn’t done a great deal wrong, it’s been a whirlwind 18 months for him. He got named captain last year, when on the (Kangaroos) tour, come back and struggled with injury.

“We all go through different patches through our lives and careers when it’s not quite right. We’re all here to support him, he’s had a good week this week at training.”

Griffin said Moylan had been guilty of overplaying his hand against the defending premiers.

“He’d be the first to tell you that as well. That’s a positive sign. It shows he cares. He’s not guilty of not doing enough,” Griffin said.

“He just needs to relax. We had a look at some stuff this week and made sure he concentrates on things he does well.”

Penrith’s hopes of reviving their premiership ambitions were given a boost on Friday after Griffin confirmed strike weapon Bryce Cartwright’s return from an ankle issue.

It will be his first game since round two, and will be rushed straight into the starting line-up in place of second-rower James Fisher-Harris.

“He’s one of our marquee players. When they’re not there, it does affect you,” Griffin said.

“It’s great to have him back. You want your best players on the field, (but) he’s coming off a long lay-off so he’s going to need a couple of weeks.”

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