James Maloney has been sacked by the North Queensland Cowboys after being caught drink-driving in early September, but remains in contact with several players as they prepare for an elimination semi-final against Cronulla.
Former attack coach Maloney, 38, insists the split was “amicable” and rather than feeling bitter, he has taken responsibility for his actions.
The Roosters and Sharks championship winner continues to chat on the phone with the likes of Tom Dearden, and his influence was obvious when the pivot virtually won the game last weekend against the Knights.
“There’s no bad blood with the Cowboys,” Maloney told the The Sydney Morning Herald.
‘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 still hope they win the competition.”
Maloney added that Dearden in particular was “very coachable” and unlike many other NRL stars, has the ability to break bad habits that can creep into his game.
Maloney, one of the greats of his time as a player in the NRL, joined the Cowboys coaching staff on a two-year contract last November.
James Maloney was sacked by the Cowboys after being arrested for drink driving in early September, but is still in contact with several players as they prepare for an elimination semi-final against Cronulla.
James Maloney (pictured with wife Jess) insists the Cowboys’ split was “amicable” and rather than being bitter, he has taken responsibility.
Tom Dearden’s game has reached another level after thriving under James Maloney (pictured in action against the Knights)
Prior to his dismissal, Maloney worked for the club after returning home late last year following stints in the UK Super League with the Catalans and lower-division French Rugby League.
His rugby league IQ proved to be a valuable tool for coach Todd Payten to call upon.
In 2022, Maloney was suspended by French club Lezignan after testing positive for cocaine.
Once back in Australia, Maloney took on a consultancy role with the Roosters before moving his family to Townsville.
This came after a chance meeting with NRL chief agent Isaac Moses at a chicken shop in Sydney’s west, who informed Maloney that Payten was looking to replace Dean Young, who had moved to the Dragons.
Maloney amassed 247 NRL appearances in 11 seasons at five clubs and also represented New South Wales and Australia in a decorated career.
He hopes to land a coaching consultant role at a rival NRL club in 2025.
