Here it is in full
Dragons coach Shane Flanagan has had his coaching, character and crowning glory – Cronulla’s 2016 premiership win – torn down by a man who played a crucial role in that historic title, James Maloney.
Word has filtered through from Brisbane of Maloney’s brutal take-down of Flanagan, highlighting the tension between the two.
Maloney was speaking at a fundraising lunch for the Sydney-based Pass It On Clothing charity at the Port Office Hotel in Brisbane on the Friday of Magic Round. He was there alongside former NRL players Michael Buettner, Jeremy Latimore and Dallas Johnson.
Maloney was asked on stage about the best coaches he had played under, and he offered Craig Bellamy (Storm), Trent Robinson (Roosters) and Ivan Cleary (Panthers), while saying Flanagan had taught him “f--- all”.
“I didn’t learn a thing off him,” Maloney said.
Maloney also told the interviewer to, “ask Flanno how he felt being my assistant in 2016”, leaving the room of 140 footy fans in stitches.
We asked Maloney about his relationship with Flanagan, and he said he had nothing to do with him.
“Book me for a function and I’ll tell you even more,” he said.
Flanagan did not respond when contacted for comment.
There was no indication Maloney and Flanagan had a troubled relationship during their 2016 premiership run, but Flanagan would often joke about what a pest Maloney was.
Flanagan does not need Maloney’s input right now as the Dragons struggle to play up to their potential.
Previously, two other members of Cronulla’s premiership team, Paul Gallen and Chad Townsend, had a public falling-out – but they have since made up.
