James Maloney made headlines yesterday after announcing his departure from the NRL at season’s end, signing a three-year deal with Catalans Dragons in France.
The double-premiership winning five-eighth leaves the game with an incredible legacy, having won premierships with both the Sydney Roosters and Cronulla Sharks, while also helping New South Wales win back-to-back series for the first time since 2005.
He was also by far and away New Zealand’s best player in their 2011 grand final campaign.
What legacy does the Orange native leave on the NRL? Is his career somewhat overrated by football fans? Should Penrith look internally or externally for a replacement? Who will miss him more next season – the Panthers or Blues?
We got Roar NRL expert and editor Scott Pryde on the Game of Codes podcast to look over Jimmy Maloney’s legacy and answer all the big questions about what comes next.
Listen to the discussion:
James Maloney’s career by the numbers
NRL
Games: 241
Tries: 64
Goals: 772 (81.2%)
Field goals: 25
Wins: 148 (61.4%)
Origin
Games: 14
Tries: 2
Goals: 31
Wins: 7 (50%)
Series wins: 2 (40%)
International
Games: 3
Tries: 2
Goals: `11
Wins: 3
Visit our Game of Codes hub to catch the full episode and be sure to subscribe and review on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever else you’re listening.
James
Roar Rookie
Yeah I agree. James Maloney is a real footballer who plays what is in front of him. That knowledge is hard to pass on. If Cleary and Luai haven't learned anything from him by now then I doubt they ever will. It is their turn to shine. NSW won't really miss him. The blues have a tremendous team now and should be able to win without him. The coaches may miss him the most. I imagine Maloney does most of the talking during halftime breaks whilst Ivan Cleary and Brad Fittler take the back seat. Perhaps James Tamou will notice his loss the most. He may actually have to captain the team!
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
Just like the top tennis players , the years roll on and the best players in the halves don't get dethroned they retire or move to France. Great time for some young play makers to emerge. I haven't seen much or perhaps any evidence over the years that champion halves are able to mentor new halves at clubs and leave that sort of legacy. The best halves at Parra since Sterling and Kenny would be? The Raiders since Stuart or the Knights since Johns?
thenrlblog
Roar Rookie
The Panthers. Maloney's experience and big game capabilities are vital to the young Panthers squad. He's really steered the team around for the past 7 wins and his leadership is shining through. I think it's more a case of the Panthers not wanting to lose Jarome Luai, who's been excellent every time he's played this year. It appears the Panthers are planning for the future, which is hard to argue against.