Cronulla halfback Chad Townsend claims Matt Moylan has more of an “X-factor” than James Maloney ahead of the sudden-death clash between the marquee recruits on Friday.

The player swap between Maloney and Moylan has been of of the most intriguing stories of the season as pundits try to determine which team emerged with the more astute acquisition.

Dynamic duo: Matt Moylan and Chad Townsend have formed a slick combination for Cronulla Credit:AAP

Maloney left Cronulla to join Penrith in the pre-season while Moylan went the other way. It appeared the Panthers may have got the better of the deal when Maloney won the race for the NSW No.6 jersey, particularly after Moylan’s season was initially interrupted by injury. However, the form and confidence of the Sharks pivot has been on an upward trajectory as the season has progressed ahead of their much anticipated meeting.

Townsend is well positioned to provide a perspective on what each playmaker brings to his team. The Cronulla halfback won a premiership while playing alongside Maloney for two seasons. He has also struck up a fine combination with Moylan en route to a top-four finish this season prior to Saturday night’s loss to the Roosters.