Cowboys sack two-time premiership winner over drink driving charge

Cowboys assistant coach James Maloney has reportedly been sacked after being charged with drink driving on the eve of North Queensland’s finals campaign.

The Courier Mail reported Maloney had been fired by the Cowboys with immediate effect following an off-field incident in the lead up to their clash with the Bulldogs in Sydney last Saturday.

Maloney was booked for an alleged DUI over the weekend and has been axed by the club immediately.

Watch every game of every round this NRL Telstra Premiership Season LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >

Bulldogs forward Max King joins the Fox League podcast to go inside the Bulldogs’ remarkable 2024 revival and chat about the impact of coach Cameron Ciraldo, captain Stephen Crichton and the club’s renowned defensive system

Cowboys football boss Micheal Luck confirmed Maloney has been terminated by North Queensland bosses ahead of Round 27.

“James has left our employment,” Luck told Newscorp.

“It’s an amicable split. It’s a staff member so we won’t be commenting any further.”

Maloney only joined the Cowboys on a two-year deal last November after finishing up his playing career for Catalans in the UK Super League.

The 38-year-old turned down a consultancy role at his old club, the Sydney Roosters, to take the Cowboys post.

Maloney played 247 NRL games winning premierships with the Roosters in 2013 and the Sharks in 2016, while also representing the Blues in 14 Origins and Australia in one Test during his 11 year career.