Maloney in line for players’ president

CAMERON Smith, Johnathan Thurston and formner Warrior James Maloney are among the most influential playmakers on the field and one of them is tipped to be thrust into a presidential role off it.

More than 100 of the game’s top players are expected to descend on Homebush Bay for the Rugby League Players’ Association’s annual general meeting tomorrow. That number will double by the time out-of-town players participate via video link in what is shaping as a crucial strategy session as the collective bargaining agreement negotiations ramp up with the NRL.

One of the first items of business is the appointment of a new board and president, a position Clint Newton will vacate to focus on his role as general manager of player relations.

Kangaroos skipper Smith, Cowboys champion Thurston, Cronulla’s premiership-winning pivot Maloney and Parramatta cocaptain Tim Mannah are the leading contenders for the post.