The past few decades have seen the emergence of superstars like Cameron Smith, Johnathan Thurston, Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk, who could go down as Immortals. But where does James Maloney fit in?
Born in Orange, New South Wales, Maloney grew up with footy in his blood. His father, Brian Maloney, was considered one of the best country rugby league players of his time and was captain-coach of the town’s team.
Unfortunately, Brian passed away before James made his NRL debut, for Melbourne.
While he only played four games for the Storm, it was still a year where he was under the tutelage of Craig Bellamy and got to train with Smith, Cronk and Slater. For a young man starting out his NRL career, the experience he gained was invaluable.
From there he made his way across the ditch, finding himself in the Warriors’ matchday 17.
In New Zealand he began to make a name for himself, his biggest year coming in 2011 as he played a key role in getting the Warriors to their second grand final.
Although they would ultimately fall short, it was still a successful season for Maloney, finishing the year as the club’s highest point-scorer. That year he also revealed he would be making his way back to Australia in 2013, having signed a contract with the Sydney Roosters.
He had a stellar 2013, making his debut for the Blues in State of Origin, winning the minor premiership with the Chooks, finishing the year as the highest point-scorer in the NRL, and winning his first grand final.
His next two seasons would also be great personally, Maloney finding more success and continuing to prove his ability as one of the best halves in the competition.
The next chapter in his career showed again why he was dubbed ‘Jimmy Wins’, as he helped the Cronulla Sharks finally win their maiden premiership in 2016.
AAP Image/Dean Lewins
After that, he helped take the Penrith Panthers to two finals series.
This club success alone provides an argument that Maloney was one of the top ten players of the decade. But there was something missing and in 2018 he made his return to the Origin arena as a veteran in Brad Fittler’s new-look Blues, playing a key role in helping NSW break Queensland’s stranglehold.
After being left out for Game 1 in 2019, Maloney returned for Games 2 and 3, and was critical in the Blues going back to back for the first time since 2005.
The end of 2019 marked the end of his NRL career as he moved to the Super League, accepting a contract with the Catalans Dragons.
Jimmy is one of the more colourful characters we have seen in the NRL, his short stints at clubs making people wonder whether there is only so much his coaches and teammates can put up with. However, despite being a bit of a prankster, Jimmy still has the respect of his peers and especially the fans.
He has carved out a successful career both personally and for the clubs he has given his time to. He does come under criticism, such as his lack of defence and giving away penalties, but he has still proven himself a valuable player, especially at the Roosters and Sharks.
While Thurston and Cronk are above him when it comes to the best halves of the last decade, Maloney belongs in the discussion as one of the best players of recent times.
He may never be an Immortal, but his career is Hall of Fame worthy and he will always be remembered as that loveable larrikin who played a huge role in bringing pride back to NSW and guiding Cronulla to history.
For a young boy growing up in the country, idolising his dad and setting out with a dream to make it in the NRL, Jimmy wins.
J*S*T*C*
Roar Rookie
James Maloney is one of the NSW greats. He was with the warriors made the GF with them in his 2nd year with Warriors, which not every warriors player has been able to do and he is there for just 3 years and still managed to get the highest point scorer for that club. He goes to the Roosters wins the GF with them in the first year. In 2016 he has a stunning first year with the Sharks winning the GF. In 2018 he joins the Panthers makes it to the finals doesn't win but wins the State Of Origin with his panthers half partner. All together Maloney has played almost 250 games in the NRL,14 appearances for the NSW Blues and watch this video
KillaKanga
Roar Rookie
Apart from his on field success he also has the distinction of being the only player that every team mate/ room mate wants to punch in the face :stoked:
nrlfan
Roar Rookie
Yep, very true. Hasler was the difference.
Bulldog53
Roar Rookie
I'm an Ennis fan, but to say he was the reason the Bulldogs made the 2012 GF is a bit of a long bow to draw. He played for the Bulldogs for a couple of years prior to 2012 and the Bulldogs never set the NRL alight. The difference in 2012 was Hasler and the style he had them playing, James Graham's ballplaying, the mid-season pick-ups of Inu and Perrett, and Ben Barba. Barba dominated the competition like few have before or since. Pity his personal life imploded. But he was always a time bomb ready to explode. 2014 may have been different if Ennis wasn't injured for the GF as he held the team together well during the season. Again, 2016 was a combination of things and getting Ennis, Maloney and a refreshed Barba to the Sharks made a difference. With those 3 the Sharks were more energised rather than their previous dour and gritty play.
Bulldog53
Roar Rookie
Maloney didn't do a runner to Super League, Cleary Sr virtually pushed him out as he was a Gould employed player. Same as DWZ, Campbell-Gillard, Waqa-Blake etc. Maloney was also seen as the dominant half which didn't suit Cleary Sr. But the move also suited Maloney as he was finally going to get some serious money.
Justin Kearney
Roar Rookie
Only one comment Jaydem. Write more often. Excellent work.
Rob
Guest
Won 50% of Origin games against a pretty good Queensland team, won 60% at club level in a play making role. Whatuira was a 55% winner playing centre outside Benji Marshall and Prince in their hay days? Bit of a rough comparison?
Rob
Guest
Jimmy Maloney is a fantastic player. He’s JT with out the head gear. Really good at reading the game, super competitive, tough and skilful. Any player that can get the Warriors to the big dance, provide the Sharks with a premiership ring and get a couple of NSW series wins with 50% against Smith, Thurston and co in Origin is pretty darn good. He outsmarted Thurston in game management most of the time winning 11 of 16 games against him at club level and 2 from 2 in finals. I hated Maloney because he was so good at getting the win over teams I supported. God he was good at getting away a match winning forward pass and tackling blokes around the ears. Deserves mentioning in JT and Cronk discussions IMO.
Succhi
Roar Rookie
I think Jimmy is the player that any team would want. He is a bit of a larrikin, won’t take a backward step and gives it all. Good, well thought out article. There are not many players that we could call “journeyman” that have had so much impact at each club. The fact that he has had to move his family around so much, get resettled in a new region and team, and do it all over again is extraordinary.
Albo
Roar Rookie
Spot on souvalis ! A good player and a good bloke who took his chances as the ultimate professional footballer. Tougher than given credit for , but had defensive deficiencies that caused plenty of problems for his own team mates. Certainly a great goalkicker and good promoter. But the "Jimmy wins" moniker, is a bit silly too. He won as many premierships as the dynamic Paul Whatuira ( 2003 Penrith & 2005 Tigers) - obviously another "winner" ?
Pickett
Roar Rookie
100% RobT.
steveng
Roar Rookie
What's Moylan done since Jimmy left? All he's been is injured and when he gets a 'legit and decent' wack from SamB and he goes crying to the fans and the judiciary :happy: lol :happy: Moylan will never ever come close to Maloney's abilities and/or class! Jimmy is a big loss to the NRL and I wish him all the best for his future!
Albo
Roar Rookie
Moylan has been plagued by hamstring problems since before he left Penrith. We have never seen the best of his ability since then. Similar problems for Johnson too. If these two could finally get their hammies right, the Sharks could be anything in 2020. Whilst Maloney is the ultimate footy professional. He is tough , his body has never let him down. He has, and knows, his limitations in defence but doesn't let it impact the rest of his game which has an attacking focus. He is also one of the best goal kickers we have ever produced. He knows when it is time to move onto and maximise a new contract. The ultimate professional and good guy to boot. "profiter de la france" Jimmy !
Insider
Roar Rookie
I don’t think that Cleary understood the value Jimmy could bring to his game, instead of working as a team they worked as individuals
Jaydem Martin
Roar Rookie
Thanks for the compliment Paul! I think he's definitely in the top 5 halves of the decade with everything he has achieved. I feel he will at least be considered for the HoF in the future, whether or not he makes it I'm not sure. Still a great NRL career and I'm excited to see what he can bring to Catalans.
Noosa Duck
Roar Rookie
Aagree 100% Rob. on his day as good as any including Johns and brought a positive attitude to every club he played with.
souvalis
Roar Rookie
Think you’re making Ennis out to be far better than he was. Maloney was an absolute God send to the Sharks who had been dealt Jeff Robson. Robbo had pretty much the intellect and skills of a middle forward in a half back’s body, and as the sides major playmaker that porch light was never going to go off . Even when Ennis turned up in ‘15 there was plateauing..then along came James and his halcyon year of club football is etched in Shark fan folklore..it went belly up later but that’s another story..
Arcturus
Roar Rookie
It's an odd one. Clearly a very good player without being in the top echelon. He reminds me in a way of Steve Edge who played for Parramatta & St George many years ago - Edge was never the best player in his position, never represented his country. But his confidence seemed to flow to other players and teams just lifted when he played. Maloney is kind of the same.
Don
Roar Rookie
And its a big statement but I reckon the Broncos win at least one comp had ME not been allowed to leave while Hook punted the Broncos future on his favourites from his U20s side. They lost more than half a first grade side in one off season and Ennis was a big loss.
nrlfan
Roar Rookie
Michael Ennis improved a lot in his latter years. IMO if the bulldogs didn't have Michael Ennis i'm not sure they make the 2012 & 2014 GF's.