Maloney key to Panthers' resurrection

Penrith great Greg Alexander has tipped James Maloney to ease the pressure on Nathan Cleary as the Panthers aim to resurrect their NRL season.

The Panthers are shaping up for a monumental battle to retain prized youngster Cleary, with the No.7 able to speak to rival clubs from November 1.

Alexander on Wednesday said the club was closer to retaining the NSW half - who comes off contract at the end of 2019 - than to losing him.

The 20-year-old's decision will have far-reaching ramifications for the Panthers, with his father and Wests Tigers coach Ivan keen to reunite at some point.

Cleary has been below his lofty standards following his debut State of Origin series this year.

Maloney has also battled a litany of injuries during that time - a fact which dialled up the expectation on Cleary to guide the side around the park.

Maloney missed two weeks before returning in last week's win over a depleted Melbourne.

And Alexander, said he hoped a rejuvenated Maloney could help spark Cleary back to his best.

"I think (Maloney's presence) will be good for Nathan. Nathan's been under a bit of pressure and Jimmy's a calming influence," Alexander said at the Fox League finals launch.

"It's almost an oxymoron, Jimmy being a calming influence.

"He's terrific for them out there. He does all the talking, and he's been a good mentor for Nathan throughout the year."

Maloney is credited with being one of the most successful players of the last decade, having taken the Sydney Roosters and Cronulla to premierships and the Warriors to a grand final.

The Panthers looked shaky during Maloney's absence, suffering worrying losses to the Warriors and Newcastle.

But Alexander said it wasn't too late to turn it around in Friday's elimination final against the Warriors.

"Jimmy wasn't on the field a fortnight ago when the Warriors really put a score on us," Alexander said.

"We scored a couple of late tries but they beat us well. Jimmy wasn't there that night and I thought the game against Melbourne was a good stepping stone for us to come into the fInals.

"I think most of us needed to see something from Penrith in that final round, so when they come into the semis they could show form close to the form they've shown throughout the year.

"Jimmy will be a big part of that."