Former Super League, NRL and State of Origin star James Maloney has signed with a new club for the upcoming 2025 campaign.
Maloney, who last played in Super League in 2021, has been coaching for the past two seasons but aged 38 he’s set to make a playing comeback.
The former New South Wales playmaker will return to his boyhood club Ourimbah Wyoming Magpies for the 2025 campaign after returning to the area following the conclusion of his recent coaching gig.
Ahead of the 2024 NRL season, Maloney signed a deal to work as the assistant coach with the North Queensland Cowboys specialising in attack and working under head coach Todd Payten.
Initially signing a two-year deal, Maloney was sacked just prior to the play-offs allegedly on account of a drink driving charge. During his time in Townsville, he had hoped turned the club’s attack around with a huge increase in their scoring.
Per NewsCorp, Michael Luck of the Cowboys said at the time: “It’s an amicable split. It’s a staff member so we won’t be commenting any further. I’m disappointed, what can I say.”
Maloney reacted: “The club’s position was that in my role as a leader and in coaching, it wasn’t acceptable.
“Personally I’m disappointed in myself that my mistake has become a distraction for the club at this time of the year. We’re not in normal jobs unfortunately and things like this are unacceptable in the NRL.”
Following his axing, Maloney and his family made the long journey south back to his New South Wales roots, however, his son Kade went missing during the trip sparking a huge search. Thankfully Kade was found with New South Wales Police confirming the good news.
The recent news of his return to Ourimbah was confirmed by the club on their social media with a statement shared days after an image of the ex-Super League, NRL and State of Origin star training with the team surfaced.
Posting on their Facebook page, Ourimbah said: “Welcome home Jimmy. With a bucket load of NRL experience including two NRL premierships and 14 State of Origin games, Jimmy can not wait for the 2025 season to start.. This is a huge opportunity for all our players to be mentored and play with one of the greats of the game.. get excited Maggies.”
Ourimbah play in the Central Coast division, a competition where plenty of retired Super League and NRL men play.
