Maloney: I was that excited for the opportunity
In the fourth episode of the club’s ‘Cowboys Saloon’ podcast, in partnership with Triple M and Toyota, host Elliott Lovejoy sits down with NRL Assistant Coach James Maloney to talk about his time in the English Super League with the Catalans Dragons and the decision to move his family to Townsville to take a job with the Cowboys.
The two-time Premiership winner then speaks about what he has learned from Todd Payten and Justin Morgan and his own laid-back coaching style.
>>> Listen to episode 4 with James Maloney here
>>> Listen to episode 3 with Kirra Dibb here
>>> Listen to episode 2 with Tom Mikaele here
>>> Listen to episode 1 with Tom Dearden here
Key topics
0.49 – On his move to France in 2020 to play with Catalans, his relationship with Steve McNamara and how the opportunity came about
3.12 – What it was like playing in the Super League and trying to learn how to speak French
4.41 – Potentially retiring prior to the 2021 season and why he decided to continue playing
6.20 – The famous victory against St Helens in the 2021 Magic Weekend and how the last 5 minutes unfolded coming back from 18 points down to win
7.45 – The ESL Grand Final vs St Helens and his emotions after the game knowing it was his last
9.41 – His desire to get into coaching after retirement and how the Cowboys opportunity came about
12.28 – The decision to move his family up to Townsville and the lifestyle change
14.02 – Transition from playing to coaching and his coaching style
14.54 – Learning from Todd Payten and Justin Morgan
15.37 – Current halves stocks at the Cowboys, the development of Jaxon Purdue and playing eyes up footy
18.27 – Frustrating performances throughout the year and trying to find consistency in performances week-to-week
19.47 – Cowboys representation in State of Origin and where Tom Dearden ranks in terms of competitiveness
22.34 – Plan to potentially cut the long hair in the bye week
