NSW five-eighth James Maloney says an elusive State of Origin series victory on Wednesday night is the only mountain left for him to climb in his rugby league career.
A two-time premiership-winner and incumbent Kangaroo squad member, Maloney has yet to lift the Origin shield in two cracks at the history-making Queensland outfit.
But after helping the Blues to a record win over the Maroons in game one, the 30-year-old now stands on the precipice of ticking the final box on his rugby league bucket list.
“It’s something I definitely want to be able to say I’ve done – win an Origin series and be successful at this level,” Maloney told AAP.
“You don’t just want to say you’ve played at that level. You want to be able to say you’ve competed and played well at that level.
“By winning the series, it gives you a bit of validity behind a statement like that.”
Victory over the Maroons would also aid Maloney in his desire for a pay upgrade and extension at Cronulla, however coach Shane Flanagan all but shut down that possibility earlier this week.
Maloney, who was a key member of the Sharks’ title breakthrough last year, accepted he may have to wait until his current contract expires at the end of next season to land more money.
“That’s alright, I’ve got a contract for another 12 months. I knew that and we’ll see what happens beyond that,” he said.
Maloney is one of 14 players in the Blues’ line-up that will take the field at ANZ Staduim next week who have yet to taste a series win over Queensland.
Maligned halves partner Mitchell Pearce is another, however Maloney is adamant his former Sydney Roosters teammate now has the confidence to achieve success in the Origin arena.
This year is Pearce’s seventh series in the Blues jumper.
“I think he’s been playing really confident footy all year and I know the performance in game one will only help that next Wednesday night,” Maloney said.
Oto shark
Guest
I know what you are saying and if they don't give him more ,well that's fair enough,but if he asks and the club gives more of course Maloney will say yes.I'm not saying they will or that the club has to by any means.
Craig
Guest
Why would they say no? Because they have him signed on a fixed contract, there is no need to pay him more. The club paid the market value when they signed him.
Oto shark
Guest
I can see where you are coming from,but you really can't blame a player for asking ,especially when they are in great form, and if the club agrees , why would they say no. Also for the club it is best the player is in the right frame of mind and remember the careers aren't that long.It could be tricky for Maloney with his age though.
Craig
Guest
He's a great player. But I really hate players asking for contract upgrades. Sure he deserves to be paid more - especially compared to the likes of Dugan. However if he starts playing terrible, gets a lengthy suspension or injured does he say "sorry fellas, you are paying overs for me, please only pay me 60%".
Paulus
Guest
two time premiership winner, origin player, test half and gets less than Brooks and Moses tsk tsk tsk
Art Vanderlay
Guest
and long may it remain his final mountain :)
Oto shark
Guest
I guess you could be right ,but I just feel it would be the right thing to do, for both him and the sharks .
db
Guest
Watching him coathanger oppostion players on an almost weekly basis, I thought decapitating someone was the final mountain he was hoping to ascend.
Greg
Guest
It could work the other way too. A lot of players after signing a new or long contract hit their comfort zones and see their form drop. Its Jimmy's 31st birthday tomorrow, he'll be 32 1/2 when his contract expires so might be best to look to the future after that. If he's off contract after next year he'll want to make sure he's playing well all year to get the money he's after in 2019.
The eye
Guest
very nice Max..more valuable than Holmes and Bird to the success past,present and future of this side..pay him whatever it takes to keep him
Oto shark
Guest
The sharks should extend his contract now on more money.I know they said they have got other players to sort out also,but a happy Maloney will be better for the sharks, especially for the rest of this year while the premiership window is still open wide for them.
John
Guest
Jeez at 450-550 he is getting less than Mbye, Moses and Brooks
kk
Roar Pro
Before James departed for the All Nations tour he was asked about his Cronulla contract. "I think they got me for 'unders' there" was his reply. The contract will be honoured. Whether it be a purported $450K or $550K, James is the bargain of the century. This champion from the Central Coast is worth every cent of $1Million,especially when compared with the dosh being paid for the likes of Hunt, Foran, Milford and Dugan. James Maloney's career has been plagued by an MT statistic. Time and again I have witnessed him put his body on the line, SOLO, to stop a rampaging monster forward. Bashed aside, the stats will record that as a missed tackle, completely disregarding the courage factor. I have yet to see him shirk a tackle. Perhaps there is enough data available on James and ors. to warrant a revision for what constitutes a missed tackle.