James Maloney’s form in 2016 meant he was almost an automatic choice for the Country team and has him in Origin calculations however the Sharks five-eight is keeping a level head.
Maloney is no stranger to playing State of Origin however he is the first to stress that he first and foremost has a job to do for the Sharks.
“I’m not wearing that Blue jersey yet”, said Maloney.
“My goal this year was to play well for the Sharks and get our season off to the best possible start and I think we’re around that now.”
Maloney has certainly done this, playing an instrumental role in the Sharks early season form which sees them sitting equal top of the table at the Rep Round.
Featuring alongside his Sharks team mate, 2015 Rookie of the Year Jack Bird, Maloney says it great that his teammates are getting the recognition for their form at Club level through representative jerseys.
“Birdy’s been great this year. Even though he’s been out in the centres, he played most of last year in the halves and he goes looking for the ball.
“I think he’ll be looking to have a big one for Country up here in Tamworth so I’m excited to see how this one pans out.”
When questioned on what the City v Country match meant to him, Jimmy was quick to highlight its significance and said the week as a whole is a great experience.
“Playing in these type of games is great (City v Country). Getting to be in a different environment for the week is awesome and to be around some different boys is pretty refreshing,’’ he said.
“I’m really looking forward to coming up against Chaddy (Chad Townsend) on Sunday and maybe I can call a few of his plays (laughing).”
When asked about how he thinks his Sharks team mates will go across the weekend, the five-eighth was quick to wish them well however kept his focus on the Sharks.
“I really hope everyone (Sharks players) go well this weekend.
“If they do that, then the rep stuff will take care of itself but we have a job to do at Cronulla and we all know that.”
Here’s to hoping for an injury-free Representative Round.
