General James Maloney

[Kav_old]

James Maloney

I read on the Vodophone tribe site that we have signed Maloney as a half replacement for Stacey. He is from the Storm, 23 years old and has played some first grade.

Kav

 

[teariki_old]

The news was broken by Alan Mac this morning on Radio Sport's breakfast program. James Maloney is Cooper Kronk's understudy at the Storm, but has had little game time as Kronk doesn't get injured much.

Maloney is primarily a halfback who kicks goals and can also play at 5/8 apparently. He's been signed up for two years; Alan Mac stressed that Maloney is not a discard and he's had some raps from some Aussie coaches in the past. So we could be looking at a Seymour/Maloney halves combo next season.

Potentially, next season's regular starting backline could look like this:

McKinnon
Locke
Moon
Tate
Vatuvei
Seymour
Maloney

 

[Spence_old]

I rate him. He played very well against us in the pre-season trial. Haven't seen any of his matches this year though. Just don't ask him to try kick a drop-goal... remember the reserve-grade grand final last year? Yep, that's him

 

[Spence_old]

Actually, maybe it was two years ago... Can't remember.

 

[DanKokoro_old]

apparently two or three other clubs were interested in signing him.. panthers aaand....tigers?

Although what does that mean... the other clubs offered him pennies? Or maybe Ivan promised him starting half-back for the whole season regardless of form.

 

[scree_old]

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/league/2729685/Maloney-signed-to-fill-Stacey-Jones-boots-at-Warriors

Maloney signed to fill Stacey Jones' boots at Warriors

The New Zealand Warriors have moved to plug the hole created by Stacey Jones' impending retirement by signing rugby league utility James Maloney for next season.

The Melbourne halfback-standoff has been contracted to the Auckland-based National Rugby League (NRL) club on a two-year contract with an option for a third season in 2012.

Maloney, 23, has made four NRL appearances for the Melbourne Storm this year.

"Once Stacey indicated he wasn't keen to play again next year, we made it clear we would be signing another half to boost our depth," Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah said today.

"We've been interested in James for some time and we're delighted we've been able to come to terms with him so quickly."

Maloney joined Melbourne this year after a stint with Parramatta, making his first-grade debut at standoff in the Storm's fifth-round 16-14 win against Penrith in April.

He started at No 6 in two of his other three NRL matches while his other appearance was off the bench.

Last year he led Parramatta's feeder club Wentworthville to the New South Wales Cup premiership and this year he has been guiding Melbourne's feeder side Central Coast in the same competition.

He was also selected in the New South Wales Residents side for their match against Queensland Residents in the curtainraiser to last month's final State of Origin match in Brisbane.

Warriors coach Ivan Cleary described Maloney as a goalkicking playmaker with plenty of ability.

"With Cooper Cronk at the Storm and then Brett Finch being signed, it hasn't been easy for James to get much time in the NRL," Cleary said.

"He has played a lot of his football at halfback but also plays at No 6, which he has done at NRL level. He's also a very good goalkicking option.

"We've seen a bit of him and every time he's lined up against the Vulcans in the New South Wales Cup he has looked one of the best players on the park.

"His signing gives us more options in the halves after learning we won't have Stacey next year."

Apart from Maloney and fellow new signing Brett Seymour, the Warriors' other contenders in the halves next season include Joel Moon, Isaac John and Aaron Heremaia.

-NZPA

 

[KeepingTheFaith_old]

Signing a Storm player with potential to play in the halves? Hmmmm why does that sound familiar?

Chances are during the off season Gene Ngamu will come out of retirement to help us out and that will cause Maloney to leave mid season.

 

[Lego_Man_old]

Liam Foran Version 2.0

 

[Sin_old]

Maloney is a good player. He carved up NSW cup last year but couldn't get a run for Parramatta Eels coz Finch was in his way. He signs for Storm this year and it happens again with Finch coming over to the Storm. Lets hope he can do well for the Warriors next season. Looking forward to it.

 

[Lego_Man_old]

If he was that uber, he would have got a run at 5/8th ahead of Finch. That's my logic - Bellamy is not a retarded coach.

 

[Fazz_old]

I'd probably piss my pants laughing if Finch came here and ended up blocking him from first grade again lolololol

Foran was only on a one year deal with an option for a second wasnt he? That indicates to me management see more potential in this guy

 

[Sin_old]

If he was that uber, he would have got a run at 5/8th ahead of Finch. That's my logic - Bellamy is not a retarded coach.

Maloney is a natural half-back who plays the first reciever role like all half-backs. Hagan was at the helm for the Eels in 08 (Finch was half-back) so Maloney may have got a run with Anderson as we all know, cut Finch this year altogether. Who knows?! Maybe a new lifestyle, a different culture and new team might bring out some of that potential shown in a few glimpses for the Storm this year.

 

[warriors4life_old]

Good news as he sounds like he has potential but can't help feeling it could turn out like the Foran fiasco.

At least Stacey won't be blocking his path into the first-grade side.

Looks like if he's in the team he will be our goalkicker too.

 

[insulinboi_old]

He will be a great acquisition to the club.

According to Wikipedia, he is an Australian author who has written more than 300 childrens books.

Nice to see us casting the net far and wide as recruitment goes. If he underperforms, at least he can send the boys to sleep with lovely bedtime stories.

 

[Esoj_old]

well he is signed for two years foran was only on a one year deal plus both jones and fien are gone so the competition is a bit less. he must fancy his chances too compared to being stuck behind finch and cronk at the storm he probably does have a good chance at battling for one of the halves spot if seymour has one of them locked up already.

maloney and seymour most likely would have come across fairly cheaply seymour because it's last chance time and maloney because he wanted out of melbourne and isn't really established enough to be demanding huge money. this leaves the question of could management still be looking at another half since with all the players we have cut there must be enough to get a high quality half from the nrl or esl still?

 

[Matrix_old]

It sounds like they must have had this guy lined up for a while now. I'm glad we signed an enthusiastic guy with potential who should be a first grader just waiting to be given a crack then paying overs for a half like Finch who isn't going to get any better than he's playing right now. I can't wait to see this guy play he sounds real promising

 

[ToiletDuck_old]

He will be a great acquisition to the club.

According to Wikipedia, he is an Australian author who has written more than 300 childrens books.

Nice to see us casting the net far and wide as recruitment goes. If he underperforms, at least he can send the boys to sleep with lovely bedtime stories.

That guy was my cricket coach in grade 5 and also our librarian...

 

[2big2strong_old]

I saw his debut against the panthers and thought he was outstanding. He dropped a little bit of ball but I'll put that down to nerves because he was involved in everything, busted the line a couple times too I believe.

 

[DanKokoro_old]

That guy was my cricket coach in grade 5 and also our librarian...

whatever..

 

[playdaball_old]

This guy could be our next Cliff Beverly!!!!