CRONULLA coach Shane Flanagan has made the admission that his side misses the influence of experienced playmaker James Maloney.

Maloney, who helped the Sharks to the 2016 title, was released from the club at the end of last season in a player swap deal with ex-Penrith star Matt Moylan.

The Sharks have since had a rocky start to 2018 with two wins from six games, while the Panthers sit in second on the ladder, largely thanks to the form of Maloney.

Even with his Panthers halves partner Nathan Cleary sidelined with a knee injury, the Australia and NSW representative has somehow taken his game to another level.

Round 20

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When asked on NRL 360 how significant the loss of Maloney had been this year, Flanagan replied: “If you watched Penrith on the weekend, it’s been really significant.

“We’re definitely missing his football ability.

“His ability to read a game, he puts his backrowers in really good positions to carry the football, his vision, his temperament, nothing seems to worry him.

“I sat and watched that game closely on the weekend and he just ran the show.

“With Cleary out, he’s stepped up again and taken that role upon himself and he’s doing a really good job.

“We do miss him.”

James Maloney has been a star at the Panthers. Source: Getty Images

Maloney’s request for a contract upgrade at the Sharks was well-documented last season, as was the club’s reluctancy to grant one.

It was largely because of that reason, the 31-year-old moved from the Sutherland Shire to the foot of the mountains.

“His first year with us was outstanding,” Flanagan said.

“He did what he did for Penrith on the weekend week after week for us.

“But he wanted an upgrade and extension, there’s a salary cap in place and we couldn’t give him an update and extension.

“I had a side after the 2016 grand final and I’m sure they all wanted a pay rise but we just couldn’t do it.

“That’s what the salary cap does to teams.”

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