Fans could turn on Maloney if he tries to get out of his Sharks contract

NOW that State of Origin is over, one of the biggest talking points is James Maloney’s future at Cronulla.

James Maloney could face an interesting time from Sharks fans.

NOW that State of Origin is over, one of the biggest talking points is James Maloney’s future at Cronulla.

The Blues five-eighth is under contract until the end of next year but wants more cash.

The desperate Newcastle Knights have offered him almost double the money he is on at the Sharks to sign for three years.

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If Maloney goes, the reaction from Cronulla fans will be interesting. For starters he is walking out on the final season of a three-year contract.

Last year your columnist was on a panel that named the Sharks team of the half-century.

Despite only one season, Maloney was named five-eighth because he helped deliver that elusive premiership and played for Australia and NSW in 2016.

There was justifiable debate about the exclusion of old stalwarts and great clubmen Mitch Healey and Adam Dykes for a guy who had been in the Sutherland Shire for only 12 months.

We went for Maloney because he was so influential in the premiership win.

James Maloney could face an interesting time from Sharks fans.

Plus the other guys hadn’t played for their state or country.

However, had we known Maloney would be walking out mid-contract it may have been a different story.

No question these merit teams are for the best players to have worn the jersey in each position.

Sometimes though you must take into consideration long, loyal and reliable service.

Healey and Dykes spilt blood on Shark Park over many years.

Healey played 222 NRL games over 11 seasons. Dykes was Dally M five-eighth of the year in 2001 in his 183-game career in the black, white and blue.