In the Sharks important Preliminary Finals match against the last year premiers the North Queensland Cowboys, Maloney had an exceptional match, scoring 2 tries and kicking 6 goals in the Sharks triumphant 32–20 win at Sydney Football Stadium, booking the Sharks a spot in the big decider into the next week. On 28 September 2016, Maloney was named as the Dally M five eighth of the year. On 2 October 2016, Maloney played at five-eighth in the Sharks 2016 NRL Grand Final against the Melbourne Storm, kicking 3 goals in the Sharks historical 14–12 victory, winning their first ever premiership since entering the competition in 1967.
In a significant Preliminary Finals match against last year's champions, the North Queensland Cowboys, Maloney demonstrated exceptional play, scoring 2 tries and kicking 6 goals as the Sharks secured a 32–20 victory at Sydney Football Stadium. This advancement booked the Sharks for the big decider in the following week. On September 28, 2016, Maloney was named Dally M five-eighth of the year. On October 2, 2016, Maloney played as five-eighth in the Sharks' NRL Grand Final against the Melbourne Storm, kicking 3 goals in their historic 14–12 victory, marking their first ever premiership since joining the competition in 1967.