James Maloney stars as Penrith score surprise 19-10 win over the Roosters

After guiding Perith to a much-needed victory over the Roosters, veteran playmaker James Maloney declared his readiness for NSW, even if he isn’t hanging by the phone for Brad Fittler.

• Broncos left counting the cost after Titans shock
• Panthers star DWZ finds new NRL home

James Maloney has no doubt he will stand up for NSW if Brad Fittler comes calling. And he also believes he makes Nathan Cleary a better player.

But one thing Maloney won’t do is come out and beg Fittler for a recall.

“I want to play, 100 per cent,” Maloney said when asked about Origin in the wake of his match-winning performance in Penrith’s 19-10 victory over the Sydney Roosters.

“And I have said that. But there is no point my worrying about it because I have no control over it.”

But you wouldn’t believe how this has worked out nonetheless.

Because Maloney didn’t have to be reminded who the Panthers are playing next Saturday.

You guessed it. It’s South Sydney, where Maloney will line up against the player he hopes to replace in Blue, Cody Walker.

And of all days, it happens to fall on what will be Maloney’s 33rd birthday.

James Maloney was at the centre of everything for Penrith. Image: Brett Costello

JIMMY WANTS BACK IN

This was hardly the most convincing win over an opposition that was missing some of its biggest stars.

But even so Maloney did everything in his power to get his team home and stretch the Panthers’ winning run to three straight.

A month ago Ivan Cleary reckons the Panthers were playing so bad it was like they were about to be “put down”. But after wins over Parramatta, Manly and now the Roosters, suddenly their finals hopes are back alive.

“The Roosters aren’t premiers for nothing,” Ivan Cleary said. “Their defence is very good.

“I don’t know how many tries we had disallowed or held up but in the end we controlled most of the second half.

“We still have a way to go.”

But right now, every win counts. And with Maloney back in form, anything really is possible.

Nathan Cleary backed up after his Origin disappointment. Image: Matt King/Getty Images

Nathan Cleary was solid with the ball and inspirational in defence, saving a couple of tries, but it was Maloney who starred.

He and Nathan Cleary combined for Viliame Kikau’s first try that, you have to say, had some luck as three Roosters defenders went sprawling on the slippery surface.

And after a slug of a period where the Panthers really struggled to make a dent in the Roosters’ defence, it was again Maloney who provided the subtle touches of class with two clever kicks laying on Kikau’s second and another for Brent Naden.

He also came up with a 40/20, some bone-rattling tackles, and a field goal for good measure just to put the game to bed.

After a year where his form has been indifferent to say the least, Ivan Cleary had no hesitation rating this Maloney’s best.

But will it be enough to get him a call-up for the second Origin in Perth?

While Fittler has gone out of his way to try and convince everyone Walker wasn’t hooked in the opening Origin, most assume Walker will be under huge pressure to retain his spot regardless.

“It is weird, because I haven’t actually thought about it. I swear,” Maloney said, as he stood outside the Panthers dressing room holding court like he owned the joint.

Wearing no jumper and grasping a bottle of XXXX Gold, Maloney looked as though he wasn’t trying to please anyone. But there is no doubt the performance he produced against the Roosters was all about stating his case.

“I wanted to play at the start of the series, no doubt,” he continued.

“But then ever since I was overlooked my whole focus went to putting together a really strong Origin period (to help Penrith try and play finals football).

“It is not my call. Whatever happens, happens. I have said all along, I never had a doubt if I was picked I can do the job.

“But it is out of my control. There is no point me worrying because I am not the one who decides it.”

Kikau’s try was impossible to stop. Image: Matt King/Getty Images

ROOSTERS BRAVE, BUT ROBBO NOT HAPPY

It is a sign of what Trent Robinson expects from the reigning premiers that even after a brave performance like this, he is not ready to give his players an out.

Remember, the reigning premiers had at least five of the best missing including Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (suspended), Luke Keary (concussion), Latrell Mitchell (rested), Jake Friend (biceps injury) and Angus Crichton (rested). But still, with James Tedesco and Cooper Cronk pulling the strings, they gave Penrith an almighty test for the most part.

Boyd Cordner’s effort should not be underestimated after he had his ankle blow up double the size in Origin last week but still found a way to get on the field on his birthday.

Tedesco was also brilliant and brave, while Cronk’s game management and work off the ball was exceptional.

Up front Siosiua Taukeiaho led the way running for 162m while in his starting debut hooker Sam Verrills showed plenty of class.

Boyd Cordner’s face … Penrith? Really? Image: AAP Image/Joel Carrett

But Robinson was refusing to make excuses. “You are not going to win if you are only waiting on your best 17,” Robinson said.

“That is why I am really frustrated.

“The team we put out there, I believe we should have won the game. I wanted more. I wanted better. I expect guys that are pulling on that jersey to better than what we did today.

“If we have to cross our fingers for James Tedesco or Boyd Cordner, well, that is not what we want.”

It was the first time the Roosters have dropped three straight since 2016.

But now is not the time to panic, just bunker down until the tough Origin period is over.

Robinson might not have wanted to use excuses, but he had plenty at his disposal.