James Maloney says he deserves to retain his NSW jersey and is surprised his defensive deficiencies are suddenly a cause for concern.
After helping Penrith to a 16-2 win over Wests Tigers on Thursday night − and missing only the one tackle – Maloney could not understand the growing speculation about him being under pressure to retain his spot in the Blues because he misses plenty of tackles.
James Maloney
Photo: NRL Photos
Maloney has never been the greatest defender, yet that has not stopped him helping guide the Sydney Roosters and Cronulla to premierships, as well as the New Zealand Warriors to a grand final.
Even Panthers coach Anthony Griffin, who loathes Origin talk – especially when it comes to NSW – went into bat for Maloney. Griffin said that while defence was not the five-eighth's strong suit, ''I wouldn't swap him for anyone''.
"I don't understand the talk about him not playing Origin because of his defence. There are a whole lot more positives to him that would be good for NSW to have out there,'' Griffin said.
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What makes the speculation even stranger is the man being given a decent push for a NSW debut in the halves, Mitchell Moses, is just as suspect in defence.
"I just have to make sure I'm there. Apparently I'm in trouble,'' said Maloney, before he broke into his husky laugh.
"All I can do is enjoy my footy here, play well for Penrith, and hope it goes my way.
"Obviously it's well-documented [Maloney's defence] has been [an issue].''
When pointed out he had enjoyed plenty of success despite missing tackles in the past, Maloney nodded and said: "So it shouldn't be a problem now, is that what they're saying?
"I don't know what to make of it.
"People will have different opinions on how you play, and all I can do is try and work on the areas they want and hope when they pick the side they see more value in having me there than someone else.
"I've spoken to Freddy a few times about different things and stuff in my game.
"It's probably surprised me the [defensive] talk because there have been no convos like that with Freddy.''
Maloney said he felt he deserved another crack against the Maroons, having held his own in the past for NSW and made a strong start to this season.
"I think so,'' Maloney said.
"I'd like to think when I've been there before I haven't played too badly.
"I'd understand if you don't get the job done then you've got no real right to be there the next year. I'm a big believer in that because you haven't done the job.
"They're saying they'll pick on form, so hopefully my form is good.''
The idea of Maloney combining with Nathan Cleary is one option for NSW, with Moses, Wests Tigers halfback Luke Brooks and the Sydney Roosters' Luke Keary also in the mix.
Despite being clubmates, Maloney and Cleary have played only three full NRL games together, with Cleary returning on Thursday night after a long lay-off with a knee injury .
Plenty of Blues supporters would have assumed Maloney would be first picked by Fittler, especially the way the 31-year-old has stood tall in a new team and run the show after Cleary's injury.
The Panthers are joint leaders with St George Illawarra, who they will face next Saturday night in what will double as the final Origin auditions.
Maloney said it was nice to have 20-year-old Cleary back on deck and ''to have that other guy who poses so much of a threat on the other side of the ruck''.
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Christian covers rugby league for The Sydney Morning Herald.
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