Cowboys sign multiple premiership winner James Maloney as attack coach
The former Dally M five-eighth of the year once partnered Chad Townsend to a breakthrough premiership season and will reprise that relationship as a key assistant on Todd Payten’s staff.
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Former premiership-winning half James Maloney will launch his NRL coaching career as a specialist attack coach at the North Queensland Cowboys.
The 2016 Dally M five-eighth of the year partnered Chad Townsend in the halves in Cronulla’s breakthrough premiership season and will reprise that relationship as a key assistant on Todd Payten’s staff.
Maloney retired from football six months ago, having led French Elite One club Lezignan to the semi-finals as a player-coach in his first foray into coaching.
Cowboys general manager of football Micheal Luck said the former Blues and Kangaroos playmaker would bring a “new dimension” to North Queensland’s premiership push.
“We are excited at the prospect of the new dimension James will add to our program,” Cowboys general manager of football Micheal Luck said.
“With an experienced assistant in Justin Morgan coming on board this year, we made the decision to target a younger coach with recent experience on the field to focus on our attack.
“We met with Jimmy in Townsville last week and we were impressed with how he presented and the ideas he had to improve our team.
“He will be an excellent sounding board for our spine, in particular our young halves in Tom Dearden, Tom Duffy and Jake Clifford.”
Maloney featured in 247 games as player, debuting under Craig Bellamy at the Storm in 2009 before stints with the Warriors, Roosters, Sharks and Panthers.
He won premierships in 2013 and 2016, departing for Europe in 2020 with a 55 per cent winning record in finals matches - including knocking out the Cowboys in the 2014 and 2016 finals.
North Queensland was the fourth-best attacking side in the league under assistant Steve Georgallis in 2022 (26.4ppg) but regressed significantly in 2023, dropping to ninth (22.8ppg) in scoring as the club missed out on the top eight.
Georgallis, the Greek international coach, was quietly farewelled at the season’s end alongside defence coach Dean Young, opening the door for a fresh start in Payten’s assistant ranks.
Maloney’s appointment follows the signing of Warriors assistant Justin Morgan to lead the Cowboys’ defence, with former club development coach Ben Rauter promoted into a senior assistant role.
Maloney is three years older than North Queensland’s eldest player, Jake Granville, and five years older than his former halves partner Townsend.
More Coverage
Originally published as Cowboys sign multiple premiership winner James Maloney as attack coach
Why Tallis rejected peace offer from Maguire
Newly appointed Brisbane coach Michael Maguire attempted to make amends with Gorden Tallis when they bumped into each other on grand final day. Read what the Broncos legend said next.
Roosters star’s plea after premiership ring stolen
Millie Elliott has urged people to come forward if they spot her NRLW premiership ring after revealing it has been stolen from the home she shares with husband and fellow rugby league player Adam Elliott.