15 February 2024 , 17:01
928
0
Aussie ace Matt Moylan is loving being OUT of the spotlight with Leigh.
The ex-Australia stand-off, 32, makes his Super League debut against Huddersfield on Friday. Former New South Wales State of Origin star Moylan joined from Cronulla and has enjoyed being away from the rugby league-mad Sydney scene. He said: “It’s probably the number one sport back home so it’s constantly in the news and there’s a demand for it.
“It’s good. It’s part of the game and why the game is so big because of that demand. Having said that, I’m enjoying sort of not being in such a big limelight! Hopefully, though, the competition here can keep going and get to that position.
“And that was an experience when [Leigh owner] Derek [Beaumont] picked me up from the airport in a Lamborghini rather than catching an Uber!”
Moylan’s new half-back partnership with PNG ace Lachlan Lam could take the Challenge Cup holders to a new level in 2024. They will hope to get off to a flier against Huddersfield who have their own point to prove after a woeful campaign last time out. Moylan said: “I’ve settled in pretty good. It’s a big move but the club has made it pretty comfortable for me.
Gay rugby league referee lifts lid on how coming out affected officiating career
“And it is exciting. The way Adrian Lam initially spoke about the club and style of play was exciting. To come train and now play in that style and getting the combinations with Lachie and the other boys has been enjoyable. We have to keep working at it and hopefully it translates into results every week.”
Matt Moylan warming up for Cronulla Sharks last season (Getty Images)Moylan was one of the leading players in the NRL but was limited to just one solitary appearance for the Kangaroos: a 54-12 Four Nations success over Scotland at Hull KR’s Craven Park in 2016. Has he any regrets from his time in the NRL where he also played Origin on three occasions?
The ex-Penrith star admitted: “Yes, there’s always more you wish you'd achieved. More rep’ games and winning a comp’, I’d have loved to have achieved that. If you asked a lot of players, they’d probably say more.
“But having said that, if as a kid you’d offered this as a career I’d have signed up straight away. I still love playing and now I want more with Leigh.”