Maloney’s in the clear

PENRITH star James Maloney is free to play in Friday’s NRL clash with the Wests Tigers after beating a dangerous contact charge at the judiciary last night.

NSW State of Origin playmaker Maloney was facing a one-game ban for an alleged illegal tackle on Canberra forward John Bateman but was found not guilty by the threemember panel.

Maloney’s inclusion is a major boost for the struggling Panthers, who have won just two of their opening eight games and sit equal-last on the table.

The 32-year-old veteran of 233 NRL games has slowly found form to ensure he’s retained for NSW.