James Maloney feared his Origin career was over after 2013 series loss

AFTER being made a scapegoat for NSW’s crushing series loss in 2013, James Maloney had fears he would never get to don the Blues jersey again.

Maloney is back in Origin camp for the first time since 2013.

JAMES Maloney feared he would never get the chance to atone for his role in NSW’s losing State of Origin series in 2013.

Criticism was heaped upon Maloney and his halves partner Mitchell Pearce as Queensland claimed their eighth straight interstate title three seasons ago.

The duo claimed the NRL title with Sydney Roosters later that year and Pearce played all three Origin games for the Blues last year.

However Cronulla star Maloney thought his Origin career was over, until he received a phone call from NSW coach Laurie Daley on Sunday.

“I never thought I would play again so I was that happy when I got the call and told I was going to get another chance,” Maloney said from the Blues Coffs Harbour training base on Wednesday.

James Maloney was criticised heavily after NSW lost the 2013 series 2-1.

“I tried not to think too much about it but I honestly didn’t think it was going to come around.

“Now the focus is to get the job done. We fell a little bit short last time I was here and to get the opportunity to change that result is fantastic.”

NSW lost the decider in Sydney 12-10 in 2013. Maloney said he would be better for the experience this time around.

“I come in knowing what to expect, knowing what lies ahead and that puts me in better frame of mind,” he said.

“I am a little bit more experienced, I have learnt a lot more about footy over the past few years. I am probably in the best position I could be in coming out of a good club side with winning form. All that adds up to helping me in this situation.”

Originally published as James Maloney feared his Origin career was over after 2013 series loss