North Queensland Cowboys halfback Chad Townsend has spoken of the high levels of excitement at the appointment of assistant coach James Maloney for the 2024 season.
Maloney is a true journeyman of rugby league, having played 319 games across 15 seasons for seven teams including premierships with the Sydney Roosters and Cronulla Sharks in 2013 and 2016 respectively.
Townsend, who was Maloney’s halves partner in the 2016 Grand Final for Cronulla, believes Maloney’s experience and knowledge of the game has shone through in the early stages of the pre-season.
“I remembered him as a teammate and he was bit of a larrakin,” Townsend told SEN 1170.
“Now looking at him as a coach, it’s different.
“I’ve had a chat with him and (it’s clear) how he wants us to play footy.
“We had a field session the other day and it was the best field session we’ve ever had because Jimmy (Maloney) was throwing up ideas in attack.
“The big thing is that he’s a winner and he’s got such an intelligent footy brain.
“That’s why the club is so excited to have him here because he’s so calm in big games.
“Jimmy is also very competitive and he always makes everyone around him play better.”
The Cowboys kick off their 2024 season against the Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium on March 10.
Photo: @nthqldcowboys Twitter