Penrith linchpin Matt Moylan has been officially ruled out of Friday night’s crucial NRL clash with the Warriors in Auckland.

The Panthers’ captain has failed to overcome a niggling hamstring issue and will be replaced by 21-year-old livewire Tyrone May.

The loss of five-eighth Moylan on Kiwi soil is a huge blow to the Panthers, given their precarious position on the ladder.

They sit ninth, four points outside the top eight – and only ahead of the 10th-placed Warriors on points differential.

The loser of the Mount Smart Stadium clash will likely need to win five of their last seven to have any hope of making the finals.

Moylan has scored three tries and had four assists in five matches since shifting to No.6 from fullback.

The 26-year-old’s withdrawal is the only late change for either side, with the departing Manu Vatuvei ceremonially named in the No.5 shirt and Ken Maumalo lining up on the left flank in No.21.