James Maloney (rugby league)

James Maloney (born 15 June 1986) is an Australian professional rugby league footballer who plays as a stand-off or scrum-half for the Catalans Dragons in the Betfred Super League.

James Maloney

Personal information
Full name	James Maloney
Born	(1986-06-15) 15 June 1986 Orange, New South Wales, Australia
Height	176 cm (5 ft 9 in)
Weight	83 kg (13 st 1 lb)
Playing information
Position	Five-eighth, Halfback
Club Years Team Pld T G FG P 2009 Melbourne Storm 4 0 0 0 0 2010–12 New Zealand Warriors 75 24 222 7 547 2013–15 Sydney Roosters 80 23 326 4 748 2016–17 Cronulla Sharks 46 11 166 6 382 2018–19 Penrith Panthers 44 6 65 8 162 2020– Catalans Dragons 3 1 11 0 26 Total 252 65 790 25 1865 Representative Years Team Pld T G FG P 2010 Prime Minister's XIII 1 0 1 0 2 2013–16 NSW Country 3 2 8 0 24 2013–19 New South Wales 14 2 31 0 70 2016–17 Australia 3 2 11 0 30
As of 7 March 2020 Source: [1]

Maloney previously played for the Melbourne Storm, New Zealand Warriors, Sydney Roosters, Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks and the Penrith Panthers in the NRL. He won the 2013 NRL Grand Final with the Roosters and the 2016 NRL Grand Final with the Sharks.

He is an Australian international and New South Wales State of Origin, Country Origin and Prime Minister's XIII representative.

Background

Maloney was born in Orange. He played his junior football for the St Edwards Bears, Ourimbah Wyoming Magpies and the North Sydney Bears.[2] Maloney's father, Brian Maloney, was a lock and captain-coach of Orange CYMS in country New South Wales.[3]

Playing career

Early career

Maloney joined the Parramatta Eels in 2007 and helped the Wentworthville Magpies win the New South Wales Cup in 2008.[4] He was a member of the NSW Cup team of the year in 2008. Despite Maloney's good form in the NSW cup over these two seasons, he failed to break into first grade and instead signed with the Melbourne Storm for the 2009 season.

James Maloney playing for the Central Coast Storm

2009

In 2009, Maloney moved to Melbourne and played for the Central Coast Storm in the NSW Cup. In Round 5 of the 2009 NRL season, Maloney made his NRL debut for the Melbourne Storm against the Penrith Panthers, playing at five-eighth in the 16–14 win at Olympic Park.[5] Maloney represented the NSW Residents in 2009 against the Queensland Residents. Despite good form at both NSW Cup and NRL level, Maloney was restricted to just 4 matches in the top grade in the 2009 NRL season, rival clubs were lining up to give Maloney a better opportunity in first grade and by season's end on 7 August 2009, Maloney had signed a 3-year deal with the New Zealand Warriors beginning in 2010.[6][7]

2010

In Round 1 of the 2010 NRL season, Maloney made his club debut for the New Zealand Warriors against the Gold Coast Titans, playing at five-eighth in the 24–18 loss at Robina Stadium.[8] In Round 3 against the Brisbane Broncos, Maloney had an outstanding match by scoring a hattrick of tries that were his first NRL career tries and kicked 8 from 8 goals, finishing the match with 28 points in the 48–16 victory at Suncorp Stadium.[9] Maloney had a breakthrough 2010 NRL season, scoring 188 points with 10 tries, 73 goals and 2 field goals in 24 matches in his first full NRL campaign. It put him in contention for Dally M recognition and he was on the shortlist for the standoff of the year at the Rugby League International Federation's awards.[10] On 26 September 2010, Maloney made his representative debut, playing for Prime Minister's XIII to play Papua New Guinea playing at five-eighth and kicking 1 goal in the 30–18 win at Port Moresby.[11]

2011

Maloney had an exceptional year for the Warriors where he helped his team make it into the 2011 NRL Grand Final against the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles, even though they fell short losing 24–10, Maloney kicked 1 goal in the match.[12] Maloney finished the 2011 NRL season being the Warriors highest point scorer with 206 points, scoring 10 tries, kicking 82 goals and kicking 2 field goals in all of the 27 matches. On 28 November 2011, Maloney announced that he signed a 3-year deal with the Sydney Roosters, starting from the 2013 season.[13][14]

2012

Maloney finished his last year with the New Zealand Warriors with him being the club's highest point scorer with 153 points, scoring 4 tries, kicking 67 goals and kicking 3 field goals in all of the 24 matches.

2013

Maloney with a strong run V Warriors, 2014

In Round 1 of the 2013 NRL season, Maloney made his club debut for the Sydney Roosters against the South Sydney Rabbitohs, scoring a try and kicking a goal in the 28–10 loss at Sydney Football Stadium.[15] On 21 April 2013, Maloney played for Country Origin against City Origin, playing at five-eighth in the 18–12 win at Coffs Harbour.[16] On 5 June 2013, Maloney made his State of Origin debut for New South Wales against Queensland in Game 1 of the series alongside his Roosters halves partner Mitchell Pearce, playing at five-eighth and kicking 3 goals in the 14–6 win at ANZ Stadium.[17][18] Maloney would play in all 3 matches in the 2013 State of Origin series for the Blues in their 2–1 series loss. In Round 25 against the Gold Coast Titans, Maloney played his 100th NRL career match in the 30–22 loss at Sydney Football Stadium.[19][20] In Round 26 against the South Sydney Rabbitohs, The Roosters won the minor premiership with Maloney playing a key role by scoring 2 tries and kicking 4 goals in their triumphant 24–12 at ANZ Stadium.[21] On 6 October 2013, Maloney starred for the Roosters in the 2013 NRL Grand Final against the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles, setting up two tries with the boot, and kicking 5 goals in the 26–18 victory and winning his maiden NRL title.[22][23] Maloney was the NRL's top points scorer for 2013 NRL season with 252 points, by scoring 9 tries and kicking 108 goals in 25 matches for the Roosters.

2014

Even though Maloney would play no representative matches for the year, he led the Roosters to get their second Minor Premiership in a row.[24] Maloney finished the 2014 NRL season with him playing in all of the Roosters 27 matches, scored 5 tries, kicked 106 goals and kicked 2 field goals, being tied with Dally M winner Johnathan Thurston as being the NRL's competitions highest point scorer with 234 points.

2015

In January 2015, Maloney was named in the Roosters 2015 NRL Auckland Nines squad.[25] On 3 May 2015, Maloney played for Country Origin against City Origin, playing at five-eighth and kicking 5 goals in the 34–22 win at Wagga Wagga.[26] On 18 June 2015, Maloney announced that he signed a 2-year deal with Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, starting from 2016.[27][28] In Round 21 against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, Maloney played his 150th NRL career match in the 38–28 win at Sydney Football Stadium.[29] The Roosters would go on to win their third Minor Premiership in a row and Maloney would again be the NRL competition's highest points scorer with 250 points, scoring 9 tries, kicking 106 goals and kicking 2 field goals while playing in all of the 27 matches in his last year with the Roosters in the 2015 NRL season.

2016

In Round 1 of the 2016 NRL season, Maloney made his club debut for the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks against the North Queensland Cowboys, playing at five-eighth and kicking 3 goals in the 20–14 loss at 1300SMILES Stadium.[30] In Round 5 against the Wests Tigers, Maloney scored his first club try for the Sharks even as well kicking 7 goals in the 34–26 victory at Campbelltown Stadium.[31] On 8 May 2016, Maloney played for Country Origin against City Origin, playing at five-eighth and scoring 2 tries in the 44–30 loss at Dubbo.[32] Maloney's great form throughout the early rounds would land him a recall for New South Wales for the 2016 State of Origin series. In Game 2 at Suncorp Stadium, Maloney scored his first try in a Blues jersey in the series losing 26–16 defeat.[33] Maloney played in all 3 matches for Blues, scored 1 and kicked 3 goals in the 2–1 series loss. As the season went along, Maloney helped the Sharks charge into the Finals, aiming to break their 49-year premiership drought.[34] 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.[35] On 28 September 2016, Maloney was named as the Dally M five eighth of the year.[36] 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.[37][38] Maloney finished his successful 2016 NRL season with him playing in 25 matches, scoring 7 tries, kicking 94 goals and kicking 3 field goals, being the Sharks highest point scorer with 219 points. Two days after the massive victory, on 4 October 2016, Maloney was rewarded for his great year for the Sharks by being selected in Mal Meninga's Australian 24-man squad for the 2016 Four Nations.[39] On 28 October 2016, Maloney made his international debut for Australia against Scotland, playing at five-eighth, scoring 1 try and kicking 7 goals in the smashing 54–12 win at Craven Park in Hull.[40] Maloney would only play in 2 matches in the tournament, with 1 try and 7 goals.

2017

Maloney was selected play for New South Wales for the 2017 State of Origin series, playing at five-eighth in all 3 matches, scoring 1 try and kicking 7 goals in the 2–1 series loss.[41] In Round 24 against the North Queensland Cowboys, Maloney played his 200th NRL career match in the 26–16 win at 1300SMILES Stadium.[42] Maloney finished the 2017 NRL season, again being the Sharks highest point scorer with him, scoring 4 tries, kicking 71 goals and kicking 3 goals in 20 matches. On 2 October 2017, Maloney was selected in the 24-man squad for Australia for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.[43] Maloney would only play in 1 match in the tournament which was against Lebanon, where he played at five-eighth, scored a try and kicked 4 goals in the 34–0 win at Sydney Football Stadium.[44] In November 2017, rumours were flying around that Maloney was set to take a player swap deal with Matt Moylan from the Penrith Panthers to join their respective clubs on 3-year deals.[45] A month later on 3 December 2017, it was announced that Maloney signed the 3-year deal with the Penrith Panthers, worth $2.4 million and Matt Moylan was released from his contract to join the Sharks in the player swap deal.[46][47]

2018

In Round 1 of the 2018 NRL season, Maloney made his club debut for his 5th club the Penrith Panthers against the Parramatta Eels, playing at five-eighth in the 24–14 win at Penrith Stadium.[48] In Round 3 against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, Maloney scored his first club try for the Panthers in their 20–18 loss at ANZ Stadium.[49] Later that year, Maloney was selected to play Five Eighth for NSW for all three games where they won the series 2–1, the first since 2014.

Maloney made a total of 22 appearances for Penrith as the club finished 5th on the table. In week one of the finals, Maloney kicked a field goal and scored a try as Penrith defeated the New Zealand Warriors 27–12. In week two, Penrith were eliminated by Maloney's former side the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 21–20.[50]

2019

At the beginning of the 2019 season, Penrith were expected to be challenging for position in the top 4 of the competition but found themselves sitting last on the table after only winning 2 of their first 10 games with Maloney and teammate Nathan Cleary copping criticism. Maloney was not selected by NSW coach Brad Fittler for the first game of the 2019 State of Origin series.

In Round 12 against Manly, Maloney kicked 3 goals and field goal as Penrith won the match 15–12. In the following 2 weeks, Maloney kicked field goals which won Penrith the match against Sydney Roosters and South Sydney. On 16 June, Maloney was named in the New South Wales side for Game 2 of the 2019 State of Origin series in which New South Wales would go on to win 38–6 at Optus Stadium in Perth.[51][52][53][54]

In Round 15 against the New Zealand Warriors, Maloney kicked his third field goal of the season as Penrith defeated New Zealand 19–18 in golden point extra time.[55] In Game 3 of the 2019 State of Origin series, Maloney kicked 5 goals and helped New South Wales to a 26–20 victory at ANZ Stadium. It was the first time since 2005 that New South Wales had won back to back series. The series was won in the last minute of the match courtesy to a try by James Tedesco.[56]

On 24 July, it was announced that Maloney had signed a three-year deal starting from the 2020 season with the Catalans Dragons.[57][58]

Maloney's final game in the NRL was in round 25 against Newcastle in which Penrith won the match 54–10 at Penrith Park. Penrith missed out on the finals finishing a disappointing 10th.[59]

Statistics

Season	Team	Pld	T	G	G%	FG	P
2009	Melbourne Storm	4	–	–	–	–	0
2010	New Zealand Warriors	24	10	73/97	75.26%	2	188
2011		27	10	82/110	74.55%	2	206
2012		24	4	67/88	76.14%	3	153
2013	Sydney Roosters	25	9	108/124	87.10%	–	252
2014		27	5	106/127	83.46%	2	234
2015		27	9	106/128	82.81%	2	250
2016	Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks	25	7	94/121	77.69%	3	219
2017		20	4	71/81	87.65%	3	161
2018	Penrith Panthers	4	2	9/9	100%	1	27
Overall		203	58	707/876	80.71%	17	1,663

References

1. "James Maloney - Career Stats & Summary - Rugby League Project". Rugby League Project.
2. "Sydney Roosters star James Maloney is hoping for a winning return to the Coast in Sunday's NRL clash against the Titans at Gosford". Dailytelegraph.com.au. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
3. Bellamy, Craig (24 September 2011). "Darren Lockyer story reflects code's steady growth". The Australian. Retrieved 23 September 2011.
4. "James Maloney profile". Television New Zealand. 7 August 2009. Retrieved 6 October 2011.
5. "Storm hold strong against Panthers". Abc.net.au. 11 April 2009. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
6. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 10 August 2009. Retrieved 15 September 2009.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
7. "Central Coast Express Advocate Gosford and Wyong". Dailytelegraph.com.au. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
8. "Titans roar back to down Warriors". Abc.net.au. 14 March 2010. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
9. "Razzle-dazzle Warriors thump Broncos". The Sydney Morning Herald. 28 March 2010. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
10. Maloney to make first appearance for 2011 Archived 19 February 2011 at the Wayback Machine rleague.com, 16 February 2011
11. "PM's XIII made to work for PNG win". Abc.net.au. 26 September 2010. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
12. "Manly Sea Eagles beat New Zealand Warriors 24-10 in 2011 NRL grand final". Adelaidenow.com.au. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
13. "Sydney Roosters Sign New Zealand Warriors Half James Maloney". Adelaidenow.com.au. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
14. "Roosters sign Maloney to three-year deal". The Sydney Morning Herald. 28 November 2011. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
15. "Live: Roosters v Rabbitohs". The Sydney Morning Herald. 7 March 2013. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
16. "Country sees off City in Coffs Harbour". Abc.net.au. 21 April 2013. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
17. "Blue 'rat' James Maloney gets rap from Maroons Thurston". Sunshinecoastdaily.com.au. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
18. "End of Maroon curse within sight". News.com.au. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
19. "Gold Coast Titans Score Upset 30-22 Win Over Sydney Roosters". Dailytelegraph.com.au. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
20. "Roosters Star Remembers His Father on the Day He Plays His 100th Game". Couriermail.com.au. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
21. "Roosters crowned minor premiers". Dailytelegraph.com.au. Retrieved 3 October 2017.
22. "Tri time! Roosters win epic". Dailytelegraph.com.au. 6 October 2013. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
23. "NRL Grand Final player ratings". NRL.com. Retrieved 18 August 2016.
24. "Sydney Roosters and Penrith Panthers". Dailytelegraph.com.au. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
25. "2015 Auckland Nines squad lists". Nrl.com.au. 28 January 2015. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
26. "NSW Origin Coach Laurie Daley Praises Matt Moylan and Josh Jackson". Dailytelegraph.com.au. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
27. "James Maloney is Set to Sign With Cronulla for 2016". Dailytelegraph.com.au. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
28. "NRL 2015: James Maloney to Cronulla Sharks from Sydney Roosters". Foxsports.com.au. 19 June 2015. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
29. "Sydney Roosters v Canterbury Bulldogs: Live score, live updates, live blog, match report in NRL round 21 2015 season". Foxsports.com.au. 1 August 2015. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
30. "Clinical Cowboys hold off Sharks". Nrl.com. 5 March 2016. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
31. "Drama as Sharks beat Tigers". News.com.au. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
32. "Why everybody was hating on Gus". News.com.au. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
33. "State of Origin 2 at Suncorp Stadium". Dailytelegraph.com.au. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
34. Webster, Andrew (26 September 2016). "NRL grand final 2016: You might not love the Cronulla Sharks players, but their fans deserve a premiership". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
35. "Dazzling James Maloney Gets Cronulla Sharks to Grand Final". Dailytelegraph.com.au. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
36. "2016 Team of the Year Cooper Cronk Edges Johnathan Thurston". Dailytelegraph.com.au. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
37. "Finally the Curse Hanging Over Cronulla Has Been Lifted Forever". Dailytelegraph.com.au. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
38. "2016 Grand Final: Sharks player ratings". Nrl.com. 2 October 2016. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
39. "2016 Kangaroos Four Nations squad". Nrl.com. 4 October 2016. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
40. Sport, Telegraph (28 October 2016). "Australia 54 Scotland 12, Four Nations: Kangaroos show their class but Bravehearts' blushes spared by late recovery". Telegraph.co.uk. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
41. Decent, Tom (12 July 2017). "State of Origin 2017, Game Three: James Maloney says Blues were 'horrible' and reserve grade standard at times". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
42. "Cowboys CopMore Injuries in Sharks Loss". Townsvillebulletin.com.au. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
43. "Kangaroos World Cup squad announced". Nrl.com. 2 October 2017. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
44. "Kangaroos Unconvincing in World Cup Win Over Lebanon". Dailytelegraph.com.au. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
45. "Matt Moylan and James Maloney set for shock NRL club swap". Foxsports.com.au. 3 November 2017. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
46. "James Maloney signs with Penrith Panthers: Trent Merrin on NRL star, 2018 goals". Foxsports.com.au. 5 December 2017. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
47. "Panthers officially sign Maloney". Wwos.nine.com.au. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
48. Press, Australian Associated (11 March 2018). "NRL: Panthers overturn three-try Eels lead to steal victory". the Guardian. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
49. "POenrith Can't Pull Off Another Comeback as Canterbury Hold On for 2018 Victory". Dailytelegraph.com.au. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
50. "Penrith Panthers 2018 season review". www.nrl.com.
51. "Mitchell not up to standards". The Sydney Morning Herald.
52. "Parramatta crushes Brisbane 38-10, Melbourne beats Newcastle 34-4, Penrith defeats Souths 19-18". ABC.
53. "Fitness no issue for Graham as NSW consider Cleary replacements". NRL.
54. "Trbojevic and Addo-Carr lead origin try spree". The Sydney Morning Herald.
55. "Maloney nails field goal as Panthers down Warriors in extra time". NRL.
56. "Emotional Blues legend Wayne Pearce opens up on his son Mitchell's battle". www.news.com.au.
57. "James Maloney: Catalans Dragons sign Australia half-back for 2020". BBC Sport. 24 July 2019.
58. "Maloney out to leave legacy ahead of Panthers exit". NRL.
59. "Nathan Cleary breaks club record as Penrith Panthers send James Maloney out a winner". WWOS.

External links

• Penrith Panthers profile
• Melbourne Storm profile
• NRL profile
• 2017 RLWC profile
• 2009 NSW Residents Team Announced