Retired playmaker James Maloney has summed himself up as “a bit of a gypsy” following a 13-year career that took him to six clubs and ended in the south of France.
Speaking to Yvonne Sampson on Fox League’s Face-to-Face, Maloney reflected on his debut season with the Storm, the “turning point” in his career when he joined the Warriors, becoming a premiership-winner with the Roosters, being a part of the Sharks’ maiden premiership and witnessing the beginning stages of the Panthers’ dynasty.
He also opened up on his move to Super League club Catalans, living his in own little bubble in France where he didn’t watch any NRL games outside other than finals and State of Origin and why he knew it was time to hang up the boots in 2021.
It probably helped that I was able to finish on my own terms. I made the call, it was no one else,” Maloney said when asked about his retirement call.
“I was over at Catalans, had another year to go on my contract but just mentally wasn’t there.
“My body felt all right but I just didn’t have the mental edge in the head to go through another pre-season. Since I’ve hung them up, I have not wanted to play another game.”
The 37-year-old played 247 NRL games and won two premierships before joining the Panthers, his final club in Australia.
Maloney spent two years at the foot of the mountains and got to witness the building phase of what is now a Panthers dynasty.
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