Peter Wallace has been dropped as Penrith Panthers captain to make way for rising talent Matt Moylan.
Wallace, who grew up in Blaxland, had stated he would “love” to remain captain but the decision was up to new coach, Anthony Griffin.
Making the announcement at Pepper Stadium in Penrith on Wednesday, Griffin admitted Wallace “might be” a bit hard done by over the decision, but said “Pete’s got a lot on his plate at the moment”.
“He’s coming back from two knee reconstructions and he’ll be a real good help to Matt, but the decision I have made is about what I saw right at this time,” he said.
Moylan said that he would have no hesitation in seeking Wallace's advice on captaincy matters and claimed there was no tension between the veteran playmaker and Griffin.
"There's nothing there, they're getting on really well," Moylan said.
"I'll have a chat [with Wallace] today, he's a top bloke and will be really supportive. He just wants to get out and play footy. We're both coming off big injuries, so our main focus this preseason was getting injuries right and getting back out there."
Griffin said he was pleased to promote the homegrown talent, Moylan.
“Matt’s a local junior, he’s been in the area his whole life, he’s now a central part of our team and I am very happy to say that he wants the job and he is looking forward to doing the role,” he told reporters.
Moylan said the announcement was something he was very proud of.
“Being from the local area I think it’s a massive achievement and I am really honoured to be named captain for this year,” he told reporters.
“I was pretty surprised by it, I think with the senior players that we’ve got here … that have done the job before, it was a bit of a surprise.
“But I am ready for the challenge and I think it will help me going forward as a footy player.”
Moylan’s composure had impressed Griffin since his arrival at the club three months ago.
“I’ve taken my time with this decision, and he’s a very composed young man,” Griffin said.
“He’s already achieved a hell of a lot in his short career, bearing in mind he still hasn’t turned 25 yet.
“Probably his composure and his presence are the things that have impressed me the most.”
