- He was in the first year of a two-year contract with the NRL club.
- The former player had just begun his career as a coach.
- He faces an uncertain future after losing his job in his first year
Former Cowboys assistant coach James Maloney has faced a drink-driving charge in the Townsville Magistrates Court after being caught in a random breath test (RBT) last month.
The 38-year-old represented himself in court and pleaded guilty to driving over the general alcohol limit with a blood alcohol reading of 0.08 per cent.
Maloney told police he had consumed alcohol shortly before being arrested at the RBT site on Boundary Street, Railway Estate on August 30.
Although the typical penalty is a two-month ban, the police prosecutor said Maloney had already faced “extracurial punishment” by losing his job with the Cowboys.
Maloney, who had just joined the Cowboys’ coaching staff on a two-year contract, was quickly fired after the accusation.
His departure from the club was described as “amicable” by the Cowboys.
Former NRL star James Maloney has been sacked by the North Queensland Cowboys as assistant coach after being charged with drink driving.
The title-winning player was in the first year of a two-year contract with the Cowboys.
Magistrate Kenneth Taylor acknowledged Maloney’s lack of driving record but stressed that drink driving “endangers not only yourself but all other road users”.
Maloney was fined $300 and had his license suspended for one month, with no convictions recorded.
Maloney had a distinguished NRL career, playing as a five-eighth for a number of clubs including the Melbourne Storm, New Zealand Warriors, Sydney Roosters, Cronulla Sharks and Penrith Panthers.
He was known for his playmaking abilities and was instrumental in winning championships with the Roosters in 2013 and the Sharks in 2016.
Maloney had a decorated playing career and represented his state and country.
Maloney also represented New South Wales in the State of Origin 14 times and played three tests for Australia.
He previously took full responsibility for his actions and agreed with the Cowboys’ decision.
“But the club’s position was that in my role as a leader and as a coach that was not acceptable,” he said.
‘Personally, I’m disappointed in myself that my mistake has become a distraction for the club at this time of year.
‘Unfortunately we don’t have normal jobs and things like this are unacceptable in the NRL.
“But when one door closes, another opens. We’ll see what happens.”
Maloney stayed on to continue working with the Cowboys media for free after being sacked.
To prove there was no bad blood, Maloney continued to work with Cowboys five-eighth Tom Dearden on a free transfer after he was sacked in a bid to get them in better shape for the NRL finals.
“There’s no bad blood with the Cowboys,” Maloney said. SMH.
‘I didn’t leave on bad terms. They weren’t very good terms, but I put myself in a position and they made the decision to let me go, and I respect that.
“I have a lot of time for Tommy. He’s very coachable and everything you tell him he puts into practice in the next session. It takes most players a long time to break habits, but not with Tommy.”