Freddy learns valuable lessons from Maloney
James Maloney has not only been of of NSW's best this series, the veteran is the one player who has taught coach Brad Fittler some valuable lessons.
"He's been the most fun and I've most probably learned more from Jimmy than anyone, just to take a breath sometimes and relax,'' Fittler said.
The rap from his coach was music to Maloney's ears. "That's nice to hear," the Panthers pivot told Fairfax Media before he ran on to Suncorp Stadium for the captain's run. "And if I've impressed him this much, maybe he'll pick me again next year.''
Fittler needed some convincing to go with Maloney in the NSW No. 6 jersey and was concerned about his defensive lapses.
It was only after a decent push from assistant Greg Alexander that Fittler went with the experienced playmaker - and he was grateful he did.
"Jimmy has been our best player and without a doubt he has got the results,'' Fittler said. "Jimmy is the player I've most probably been [proudest of]. If anyone has learned more out of camp it is Jimmy. [At 32] that's the best time to learn because you are wiser. As a young bloke it is harder to learn because you don’t listen as much. He is most probably a bit like I was.''
Fittler said he never dodged the conversation with Maloney about his defensive concerns, and the Penrith recruit welcomed the feedback.
"The one thing I’ve always understood is to be straight,'' Fittler said. "The conversations are always quick. They either listen or they don’t. Whether they believe me or they don’t, it’s up to them to decide. Jimmy was cool. He understood. He wasn’t going that good.
"Just watching him around the team, I think this year he’s been talking about being a leader and I think now he’s really becoming one. Just watching, he seems to be doing the same stuff on the field, but I don’t know what it is … he looks a bit different."
Maloney said he had learned plenty of Fittler this series and told Fairfax Media: "The conversations I've had wit Freddy, I've known al along what he is looking for, and I knew I could do what he wanted me to do.
"I've known my role and what I've needed to do with these young boys, and so far we've gone alright.''
Alexander rated Maloney one of his favourite players and said: "I knew how important he would be for this team.
"I said to Jimmy after game two, 'we don't win those games without you, either game'. His leadership has been outstanding.
"I could see what Freddy was nervous about, and it was mostly to do with his defensive decisions, but he's a gutsy player. He's only 80kg but he puts his body on the line. He's a great player and he's a winner.''
Maloney said it would be disappointing if the locals failed to sell out Suncorp Stadium, especially with favourite son Billy Slater to play his final game.
"Queensland have always prided themselves on being passionate and all that, and they've got one of their greats playing his final game, so if you can't find a reason to come out here and support it, it makes you wonder,'' Maloney said.
"The crowd definitely dislike you, but it's beautiful, that's what you thrive on. If they're for you or against you, when you run out it's a real buzz.''