Cowboys sack assistant coach James Maloney after drink-driving charge

James Maloney played 75 games for the Warriors between 2010 and 2012. Photo / Photosport

North Queensland assistant coach James Maloney has been sacked by the club after being charged with drink-driving in a blow to the Cowboys on the cusp of the NRL finals.

The 38-year-old, who won premierships with the Sydney Roosters and Cronulla and played 75 games for the Warriors between 2010 and 2012, joined the club this season after finishing his playing career in France.

Cowboys general manager of football Micheal Luck confirmed to AAP on Wednesday that Maloney was no longer employed by the club.

“The only thing I will say is that James has left our employment and it was a fairly amicable departure,” Luck said.

“It is a staff matter so we won’t be commenting any further.”

Maloney has spoken to News Corp about his departure and said he was disappointed in himself but harboured “no ill-will towards the Cowboys”.

“It was only a low-range charge, it wasn’t excessively over,” Maloney told News Corp.

“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.”

North Queensland have been impressive in attack this year and players have spoken of the positive impact Maloney has made in that regard.

Fullback Scott Drinkwater told AAP earlier this year that he had driven standards at the club.

“He is hard to please, Jimmy, which is good,” Drinkwater said.

“There is always something to improve on. He has helped by changing a few things and making more blokes accountable – not just the halves and fullback about seeing stuff on the field – so everyone is looking up and talking.”

The sixth-placed Cowboys play Canterbury away on Saturday night where a win will secure them a home semifinal.