Matt Moylan has signed a one-year contract extension with the Cronulla Sharks.
Moylan could be one of the last pieces of the puzzle for incoming coach Craig Fitzgibbon's spine for the 2022 season.
Thirty-year-old Moylan has struggled for game time over the last two seasons but his form was much improved in 2021.
An off-season dedicated to rehabiliation and strengthening his body saw Moylan play 12 of 14 fixtures before a calf problem forced him onto the sidelines.
It was clearly enough for Fitzgibbon to offer Moylan a one-year deal and give him another option in the halves for next season.
Moylan joins current teammates Braydon Trindall and Connor Tracey in re-signing with the Sharks for next year and beyond.
While the trio will be joined by Melbourne Storm utility Nicho Hynes who signed a massive three-year deal earlier this season.
Current halfback Shaun Johnson was told he was not wanted by the club for next season and instead opted to sign a two-year deal with his former club, the New Zealand Warriors.
Moylan said that he can't wait to link up with Fitzgibbon and be part of a new era for the Sharks. He also hinted that he could return to the field as soon as Round 20.
“I’m really grateful for the opportunity to stay for another year,” Moylan said.
“I’ve had a few chats to Fitzy and I look forward to working with him, Josh and the coaching staff next year.
"I’m confident they can make me a better player on the field and help with my development off it as well.
“Until then I’m working hard to get back on the field next week and to finish the season off strongly."
The Daily Telegraph is reporting that Moylan took a pay cut over half a million dollars to sign on with the Sharks. He was previously on $850k a year and his new salary is believed to be between $340-350k.
Current interim coach Josh Hannay believes securing Moylan's services is a boost for Cronulla with his best "still to come".
“I’m really happy for the club and Matt that both parties have come to an agreement for next season,” Hannay said.
“Matt has been one of our better performers this season and although injured at the moment, he’s shown a greater durability than in previous years.
"I put this down to Matt having a stronger focus and dedication to his preparation and if he continues to focus on these parts of his game, coupled with his undoubted talent, I believe his best is still to come.”
Moylan has played 55 matches for the Sharks since joining at the start of 2018 and has played 144 NRL matches in total.
He also played three matches for NSW in their unsuccessful 2016 Origin series.
