Panthers captain James Maloney has hit back at former teammate Paul Gallen saying any distractions he had last year had no bearing on his form in his final season at the Sharks.

Ahead of their NRL semi‑final tomorrow, Gallen claimed Maloney’s performances last year had dropped from their maiden premiership campaign in 2016.

And while Maloney admitted being distracted last season, it had no impact on his football.

Gallen had said that Maloney seem distracted all year, whether it be his contract situation or he was doing a lot of work with the CBA negotiations.

Maloney says that the comments by Gallen were just excuses and he’s not really worried about any of it.

The Sharks will play the Panthers at 9.40pm Friday while the Dragons will play the Rabbitohs at 9.40pm Saturday.

Meanwhile the Roosters alongside with the Melbourne Storm have qualified for the NRL Preliminary Finals.

The winner of the Sharks and Panthers match will play the Melbourne Storm while the winner of the Dragons and Rabbitohs game will play the Roosters.