NRL coach who was sacked after getting busted drink driving makes a very surprising move as team prepares for sudden-death final

James Maloney was sacked by the North Queensland Cowboys after being nabbed for drink driving in early September - but remains in contact with several players as they prepare for an elimination semi-final against Cronulla.

Former attacking coach Maloney, 38, insists the split was 'amicable', and rather than be bitter, has been accountable for his actions.

The premiership winner with the Roosters and Sharks continues to chat over the phone with the likes of Tom Dearden - and his influence was obvious as the pivot virtually won the game himself last weekend against the Knights.

'There's no bad blood with the Cowboys,' Maloney told the Sydney Morning Herald.

'I didn't leave on bad terms. They weren't great terms, but I put myself in a position [and] they made a decision to let me go, and I respect that.

'I still hope they go on to win the comp.'

Maloney added that Dearden in particular was 'so coachable' and unlike many other NRL stars, has the ability to break poor habits than can creep into his game.

One of the great characters in his NRL playing days, Maloney joined the Cowboys' coaching staff on a two-year deal last November.

Before his sacking, Maloney worked for the club after returning home at the end of last year following a stint in the UK Super League with Catalans and lower division French rugby league.

His rugby league IQ proved to be a valuable tool for coach Todd Payten to call on.

In 2022, Maloney was stood down by French club Lezignan after testing positive for cocaine.

Once he returned to Australia, Maloney knocked back a consultancy role at the Roosters before moving his family to Townsville.

It followed a chance meeting with leading NRL agent Isaac Moses at a chicken shop in Sydney's west, who informed Maloney that Payten was looking to replace Dean Young, who shifted to the Dragons.

Maloney chalked up 247 NRL appearances over 11 seasons at five clubs and also represented NSW and Australia in a decorated career.

He hopes to secure a role as a coaching consultant at a rival NRL club in 2025.