Maloney - Sharks 3 years

[John Corey]

Have been expecting it for weeks now. Still disappointing to hear it. I really worry about losing two players from key positions in the one hit. Hastings will slot in for Jimmy but we still have no obvious fullback option to replace RTS. And I do not believe Ferguson is the solution at fullback.

I will second that. Your fullback needs to have the brains and skill of a 5/8. As good as he is, I have not seen that in Fergos game.
I think people underestimate the importance of turning 4 points into 6. Something Jimmy did about 8 out of 10 times. He will be sorely missed.

[davos]

I think it was only a matter of time before we looked to the redevlopment stage after losing 2013 squad members. We should have won one last year as well as we hadn't lost too many players but shit happens.

On Maloney's departure the following points:

Negatives:

*Bad to play around with a halves combo that have known each others strengths and weaknesses over a few years.
* Form has been up and down this year but has always deserved to start in the 6 and has been our best no.6 consistency wise since Freddy.
* sharp shooter, never underestimate the importance of a player who can turn 4 into 6 consistently.

Positives:

* Always a good idea to look forward and never look back in life. We have lost worse players and moved on .
* Hastings looks a good half. I worry about the fact that he hasn't played a lot of FG Footy.
*I think Pearce has improved as a footballer and a Hastings/pearce combo is one that can last for a good 5-6 years.Ideally if Mitchell can fire the same way RTS does , We could have a very strong spine of Mitchell, Hastings, Pearce and Friend. We can certainly build around that with players like Guerra, Cordner, SST and forwards like JWH , Napa and Evans at the club

[Rooster_6]

Disappointing. I thought Hastings couldve done a job at fullback until Latrell was ready but that was only possible if Maloney stuck around. Now Hastings is the obvious option to partner Pearcey and we'll either have to take on an oldie like Stewart, a project player like Locke or show some incredible faith in Latrell Mitchell.

None of which fill me with as much confidence as Maloney sticking around for another season or two.

[Chook Norris]

Disappointed as well. Almost guaranteed to be true. Jimmy has been great for us and a match-winner. Would've like to see him stick around for longer but looks like the club has conceded defeat and is now looking to the future at Hastings

[Red.]

MALONEY SIGNS WITH SHARKS

Written by STAFF WRITERS, June 19, 2015

THE Sharks have announced the signing of premiership winner James Maloney on a lucrative three-year deal.

For months the Maloney and the Roosters attempted to come to an agreement on an extension but it is believed the former Warrior was after a three-year deal but the Tri-colours were only willing to offer him two.

The Sharks three-year offer is what reportedly got Maloney over the line.

The Titans and the Sea Eagles were also very interested in the playmaker, but the Sharks offer eventually won out.

“James is a quality addition to our 2016 roster, with his attacking flair and general play kicking first class,” Shane Flanagan said. That’s not forgetting he is an elite goal kicker and I look forward to him joining our club.

“He has indicated to me today that he is looking forward to joining up with and playing alongside experienced forwards in our club like Gallen, Lewis, Graham Ennis and Fifita.”

Maloney is not the only half that the Sharks will recruit for 2016, with strong reports suggesting that Chad Townsend will return to the club next season.

This move will likely push Jack Bird back to his preferred centre position while Jeff Robson will likely call time on his NRL career.
Maloney, who debuted for the Storm back in 2009, has gone on to play 135 first grade games and amassed an impressive 1069 points.

The Roosters will now likely retain the off-contract Daniel Tupou and pair Jackson Hastings in the halves with captain Mitchell Pearce.

http://rugbyleagueweek.com.au/maloney-sign-sharks/

[Burnt Rooster]

We got the best out of Jimmy, he had to take a the 3 year deal the Gummies were offering to see out his career, his form this year has been hot and cold, and he does have the annoying habit of giving away penalties, at important times during a game. Hastings is a solid goal kicker, and with extra practise in that area, will do the job for us, I for one wouldn't mind Pearce staying at 5/8th next season, and Hastings being the half.

[Red.]

James Maloney to leave Roosters

Fri 19th June, 03:00PM

Sydney Roosters five-eighth James Maloney today informed the Club and players that he has signed with the Cronulla Sharks from 2016.

“While we are very disappointed to have not been able to retain James, we respect his decision to do what is in the best interests of both himself and his young family,” said Roosters Chief Operating Officer Football, Brian Canavan.

“Since joining us in 2013, James has certainly been a wonderful character and keen contributor as a senior member of our squad both on and off the field, and I’m sure he will continue to be for the remainder of the season,” he added.

Roosters Head Coach Trent Robinson echoed Canavan’s sentiments and thanked James for his contribution to the side.

“Not only is James a gifted footy player, he’s a great character and an even better man, and it’s been a pleasure to work with him over the last few seasons,” said Robinson.

“We’re not done yet though, and I’m looking forward to continuing to work closely with Jimmy for the rest of the year as we work towards a strong finish,” he added.

“This definitely hasn’t been an easy decision for me. The Roosters have been great to me and my family since I got here and I’ve made some lifelong mates at the Club,” said Maloney.

“While it’s sad to be leaving the Club and the boys, now that my future is sorted out, my main focus right now is doing the best job I can for the Roosters for the rest of this year,” he added.

29 year-old Maloney, who was a member of the Roosters Premiership-winning side in 2013, has played 65 NRL games with the Roosters to date, amassing a tally of 593 points so far since joining the Club.

http://www.roosters.com.au/news/2015...ey_to_lea.html

[roosterproud]

Taane Milne is a goal kicker also. dont forget Boyd, he can kick

[Thirteen]

Not having an ace goal kicker is a big worry.
As a player I don't rate Hastings and without that name neither would most of you.
Politis has got something up his sleeve.

[<ME>]

WOW tearing a team a part. Will go on record and say Fergo fullback will be terrible should it occur.

[Thirteen]

I want Fergo at FB.

[Rooster_6]

Not having an ace goal kicker is a big worry.
As a player I don't rate Hastings and without that name neither would most of you.
Politis has got something up his sleeve.

Nah I rate him cause he's a talented rugby league player. I'm too young to have seen his old man go around and whilst appreciate he was a huge part of our great history I have no personal attachments to the surname.

You're well off the mark.

[stsae]

I will second that. Your fullback needs to have the brains and skill of a 5/8. As good as he is, I have not seen that in Fergos game.
I think people underestimate the importance of turning 4 points into 6. Something Jimmy did about 8 out of 10 times. He will be sorely missed.

It didn't stop us winning a comp with Mini at FB mate.

IMO people are over dramatizing our next few seasons chances.

We need to have faith in the coaching staff and suits to re stock the cupboard.

I am typing this on a Playne to Israel.

[roostersrule2]

Ah that's gay, always was a fan of Jimmy.

Though I have faith in Hastings. He's going to make his share of mistakes but I think we would have had the same with Maloney as he's entering the twilight of his career.

[Kingbilly]

You don't need a fullback to be a ball player thats a myth. But it does help.
You need a FB that can catch and run good lines, but the most important thing in the world is their communication. That is why I will never ever rate Ingli$ as a good fullback.

I am sad that Maloney has gone, its more than just his 80 mins each week. I think its a huge step backwards