ON Monday night he shone in the number one jersey, but when Penrith’s Matt Moylan takes to the field at Bathurst’s Carrington Park next Saturday it could very well be as the Panthers’ number six.

In the wake of his outstanding effort in Monday night’s 35-34 win over Brisbane, in which he kicked the deciding field goal, Moylan said he’d be ready and willing to help solve his side’s five-eighth crisis.

With Peter Wallace sidelined for up to six weeks with an ankle problem, Jamie Soward played at halfback against Brisbane and Tyrone Peachey moved to number six from his usual back row spot.

But with the former Cronulla youngster expected to be out for most of the season after tearing his pectoral muscle, and with Issac John recovering from knee surgery, Cleary admits he’s no idea who will play five-eighth in the meantime.

“Young Bryce Cartwright, he came on and did that job tonight and didn’t look out of place,” Cleary said on Monday.

“Bryce has played a lot of halves in his junior footy and is a bit like Peach where he can play a lot of positions.

“Whether he’ll do that I’m not too sure ... this is why it is important to have depth at times like this.”

Moylan won the game for the Panthers with a last-minute field goal to move his side into second spot and although Cleary said he’d be reluctant to move him, the 23-year-old said he’d have no problem playing there.

Even if he does not get the nod for the switch in this Saturday’s game against the Roosters, he will remain an option for the July 26 match in Bathurst against the struggling Cronulla Sharks.

“I played in the halves pretty much through my whole junior career,” Moylan said.

“I made the change to fullback in my second year of playing in the 20s and have stayed there ever since.

“I am happy playing where I am now, but if Ivan wants me to play then it will be good experience. We’ll see what happens.”

Moylan was outstanding against the Broncos, having a hand in two of his side’s five tries and scoring one of his own early in the first half.

Soward, who also produced a strong performance, including a brilliant flick pass to set up a Kevin Naiqama four-pointer, said Moylan had stepped up a gear in recent weeks off the field and it was showing during games.

“This month block he’s had good preparation going into games and he’s actually played well,” Soward said.

“I think he’s seen how important preparation is. That’s not to say he wasn’t playing well before, but the last month a few of the older guys have noticed he’s preparing really well and getting the rewards.”

Whatever position Moylan fills for the Panthers at Carrington Park, he will no doubt be a player to watch. 

Their clash with the Sharks will kick-off at 3pm.