Rooster-turn-Shark James Maloney is set to square off against his former side for the first time on Monday night, as the League leaders head East to the Sydney Football Stadium.
A noted winner in his time in the tri-colours, Maloney has brought with him to the Shire a competitive edge and a will to win, as seen throughout the Sharks’ run of 13-consecutive successes.
But in looking to take that number to 14 with a win over his old side on Monday, Sharks forward Luke Lewis says Maloney will face no qualms in meeting those familiar faces, though now from the opposite side of the field.
“Jimmy’s a great character, he’ll be looking forward to coming up against his old boys,” Lewis said.
“He won’t do too much talking on the field, he’ll do it in his footy, and if that’s the case we’ll most likely come out well.”
With an average winning margin of just six points on the last five occasions the sides have met, Lewis said he’s expecting much of the same again in a tight contest this time around.
And, it would come as no surprise to the Sharks veteran, if Maloney’s goal kicking proves the difference at the end of the 80 minutes.
“It’s always a tough match against them, we always seem to play pretty good footy against them,” Lewis said.
“It’s always a tough battle … their last two weeks they’ve been playing some really good footy.”
