Penrith fullback Matt Moylan has shelved plans to make a return from a serious ankle injury this year as the Panthers fall out of finals contention.

Moylan had hoped to return for the final few games of this season but has made a slower than anticipated recovery. With Penrith out of the finals race, Moylan will now shift his focus to returning in time to start the Panthers pre-season.

Moylan underwent surgery on his ankle after suffering significant damage during his 50th NRL game against the Eels in May.

"Not enough weeks left," Moylan said. "[With Penrith] not playing finals footy it didn't help. It probably hasn't come along as originally thought. There was a bit more damage than what was perceived.

"The physios and the surgeon were saying with the cartilage damage it was hard to put a week on when I would be back. There is still some swelling there. I'm trying to get rid of that. Doesn't look like it'll be ready before the end of the year."

Moylan had originally targeted Thursday's clash against St George Illawarra as his comeback. As the Panthers struggled to maintain touch with the top eight, so did Moylan's chances of a return.

"If I was playing finals I would be more of a chance to be back but I've been pushing it the whole time trying to get back there," Moylan said. "It's been frustrating watching on the sidelines. It's not something I've been used to since I made my debut. There is no real reason to risk it if it's not 100 per cent."

Moylan had a breakthrough last season after being picked in the Kangaroos Four Nations squad despite not playing a game. He was also an extended member of the Blues team before his injury.

"The last few weeks have been tough watching," Moylan said. "I was coming to realise that I wasn't coming back this year. With that it's been a bit more frustrating than anything. It's not the end of anything so I have to keep working on rehab and physio."

Moylan now plans to make his return to the field during next years Auckland Nines tournament. He was on hand to launch ticket sales for the tournament on February 6-7 at Eden Park along with Billy Slater in Sydney on Thursday.

"It's a good week to be part of," Moylan said. "I'll be itching to play some footy and I would've have played for seven or eight months by the time that will be on."

Melbourne's Slater and New Zealand Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson are also aiming to make their returns from injury at the tournament.