2. James Maloney
Known for bringing success to all clubs he has been a part of, James Maloney has now become a huge influence on a young Panthers team. Having a great series win for the Blues in Origin producing the majority of points, however, his most impressive achievement this season was steering the Penrith side without starting halfback Nathan Cleary for 7 rounds before the Origin period winning 5 of those matches in convincing fashion. The playmaker has forced 14 dropouts while having his trademark goal conversion rate hit 87% which was a key factor in what could’ve been a very challenging period with injuries to major parts of the side. Maloney took the responsibility head-on and now in an even tougher period, he could be what gets their side to the finals.
