Panthers don’t expect Moylan back
RUGBY LEAGUE: Penrith officials do not expect a counsellor’s report to clear Matt Moylan in time for Friday’s sudden-death semi-final against Brisbane.
Moylan’s dodgy hamstring continues to improve and there is every chance he will be named later today in the club’s 21-man squad.
But the Panthers will not allow him to return until he has been given the full clearance by the counsellor treating the skipper for “personal issues”.
Moylan (pictured) had the first of two appointments late last week, and his second is scheduled in the coming days.
It was agreed to by all parties last Monday that Moylan would complete at least two counselling sessions before playing was even an option again.
“Matt won’t play until he gets a full clearance to say his health issues are 100% right,” Panthers chief executive Brian Fletcher said.
“It wouldn’t be fair on Matt. He’s already had his first session and he’s now due to have his second. He could be required to go to three or four sessions yet, that’s up to him and his counsellor. We just want to get him right. Football can take care of itself later on.
“After his counselling is finished, a report will come back to our general manager of football Gus Gould who will make a recommendation after that.”
The Panthers kept their title hopes alive when they defeated Manly 22-10 on Saturday to set up a semi-final against Wayne Bennett’s Broncos.
Fullback Dylan Edwards made a successful return from medial ligament damage in his knee, while Tyrone May continues to impress in Moylan’s No. 6 jersey.