Giant boost as former NRL star joins Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League club

FORMER Australian and State of Origin NRL playmaker Matt Moylan is among a group of new signings at the Mullumbimby Giants ahead of the 2026 Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League season.

Moylan played 191 NRL games for the Cronulla Sharks and Penrith Panthers between 2013 and 2023.

The talented five-eighth also represented Australia and New South Wales in the 2016 State of Origin series.

He has joined the Northern Rivers club to link up with Jacob Miller, a Mullumbimby junior who also previously played in the NRL.

Giants coach Scott Hogan said the club was thrilled to secure Moylan’s signature but expected him to spend time on the sidelines after suffering an injury at a pre-season tournament on the Gold Coast.

“It’s great to have him at the club, unfortunately we’re not quite sure how long he’ll be out for with his injuries,” Hogan said.

“He’ll definitely miss the start of the season, but that’s footy, it gives other blokes an opportunity.”

The Giants appear to be entering a promising period after recruiting strongly for 2026.

They have bolstered their forward pack with additions of Carne Doyle-Manga and Jake Hawkins from Queensland competitions, while the club’s under-18 side claimed last season’s NRRRL premiership.

“In the front row we were just missing that big body and a bit of go-forward through the middle,” Hogan said.

“We’ve signed Carne from the Gold Coast who’s played state league and dominated up there for a few years. He’s exactly what we needed.

“We’ve also got those 18s boys coming through. I think there were 11 of them who can’t play 18s again this year, and you’d expect three or four of them to start in first grade.”

The Giants have been on the cusp of finals in recent seasons and loom as genuine contenders this year.

With experienced campaigners such as former NRL forward Cody Nelson and Miller in the halves, Hogan believes the club is well placed.

“It’s an exciting year for the club. There’s stability with the coaching staff and some really good players in the squad,” he said.

“We’ve got a strong board, a lot of old boys back involved, and everyone around the place genuinely believes we can give it a good shake.”