Maloney sized up for medal

HE doesn’t stand much taller than the legendary Clive Churchill.

Now Cronulla five-eighth James Maloney is firming to win the prestigious award named in honour of The Little Master.

Churchill stood 175cm, Maloney 176cm.

Maloney has firmed into third favourite to win man-ofthe-match honours in Sunday’s grand final – and take home one of the rugby league’s most sought-after awards, the Clive Churchill Medal.

And two Canberra legends – Bradley Clyde and Laurie Daley – have backed Maloney for Churchill Medal honours.

Storm stars Cooper Cronk and Cam Smith are joint $5.50 favourites with Maloney next on the betting line at $7, according to the TAB.

Then follows Paul Gallen ($11) with Jesse Bromwich, Ben Barba, Andrew Fifita and Michael Ennis all paying $13.

Storm fullback Cameron Munster and Sharks backrower Wade Graham are paying $15. Storm five-eighth Blake Green would seem decent value at $26 while Sharks tryscoring freak Val Holmes is paying $41, although wingers rarely win big-match awards.

Clyde said: “The fact that James has grand final experience, along with his competitive nature, will certainly help his chances.

“For James, there will be a couple of crucial times in the game that he will come up with the big play to secure a win.”

Daley is an obvious Maloney fan given the Sharks fiveeighth represented NSW in State of Origin this year.

“If Cronulla is to win, Jimmy will have to play well,” Daley said.