Ex-Castleford Tigers and Leeds Rhinos star Francis Maloney reveals why he is suing RFL after dementia diagnosis

Former Castleford Tigers star Francis Maloney has been diagnosed with dementia – and is set to be one of the rugby league and union men that will sue the governing bodies for damages.

Maloney, who signed for Leeds as a teenager, also went on to represent Featherstone Rovers, Warrington, Oldham, Castleford, Wakefield and Salford.

However, the 48-year-old must now live with the horrific after-effects.

“I got knocked out twice in one game,” Maloney told ITV.

“I remember smelling salts and went back on and then ten minutes before the end of the game I got knocked out again and I was out cold.

“A couple of times I’ve put the kettle in the fridge.

“I remember when I first got the diagnosis, I’ve obviously attempted suicide before but I’ve contemplated it since because I thought you know what, I don’t want somebody wiping my backside.”

Maloney revealed that there has been much angst from people towards him for taking a stand as he reveals just why he is taking that stand.

“There’s been a lot of people calling us saying you shouldn’t be doing this because you should expect injuries.

“We do expect injuries in rugby, we expect broken bones, torn hamstrings, smashed cheekbones, I’ve had the lot, but I didn’t expect to have dementia at 48-years-old,” Maloney continued.

The tough halfback is now scared to live and recalls the horror moment he told his mother.

“I was never worried about dying but, having been told I have eight to ten years left to live, I’m scared now,” the tough halfback previously opened up to The Times.

“I’ve always been this little hard-case who could fight but this is the first time in my life I have felt vulnerable. My partner and I were talking about it the other night and we just broke down in tears.”

“I told my mum I have dementia and her response was ‘you’re hard as nails, you’ but I said ‘no Mum, I’m not’ and then she started crying too.”