It’s a career which began in 2009, has included two premiership rings, two Tests for Australia and nine Origins for NSW.
Spanning four clubs, most recently at the Sharks where he was instrumental in their first NRL title, and by any measure James Maloney’s 200 game NRL career has been a successful one
Many may think of him as the joker, the smiling assassin, hardly a physically imposing figure on the field, although he might try to tell you differently, but have no doubt Maloney possesses unique skills and has had a major influence almost everywhere he has played.
But to talk about milestones and what memories he will take with him into retirement once the curtain comes down, here's hoping his 200th, with a win over the Cowboys the major focus, will stand out a little more than those which have gone before.
"I don't remember my 100th or 150th, so it's probably not symbolic (for me), but when its all over to say you've played 200 games will be something to be proud of," Maloney said. "And it's not over yet, hopefully there's a bit more."
First stop for Maloney, who was a Central Coast junior, was at the Melbourne Storm back in 2009, before stints at the Warriors then Roosters.
In 2016 he joined the Cronulla club, played in his second premiership winning team after also taking out the title as a Rooster in 2013, and was inducted into the Sharks Team of the Half Century prior to the start of the 2017 season.
"It was about round five in 2009," he said of his first game in the top grade. "It seems like forever ago but it's where the journey started. I've moved around since then and it'll be nice to play my 200th here at the Sharks."
After an indifferent team performance against the Broncos last week Maloney is looking for improvement and a change of fortune in this his milestone match as the Sharks attempt to steady themselves for a run into the finals.
"(We need to) try to make up for last week, which was a bit of a shocker," Maloney said with that trademark grin. "We've got three weeks now leading into the semis where we need to be playing at our best.
"We need to build, to start this week and its a good opportunity against a good quality side."
Goal kicks from the sideline, tries, try assists, last ditch tackles on players out-weighing him by sometimes 40kgs, Maloney can and has done it all, more often than not with a smile on his face.
Maloney was his usually upbeat self at training earlier this week when Sharks TV caught up with him for a quick chat, with that interview now available.
And here's hoping a win in his 200th game gives Maloney reason to smile again on Saturday night.
James Maloney
Fact File
DOB – June 15, 1986 – Orange, NSW
Junior Club – St Edwards, Gosford
NRL Debut –Storm v Panthers, Olympic Park, 11/4/2009
Sharks Debut – Sharks v Cowboys, 1300SMILES Stadium, 5/3/2016
Rep Honours – 2 Tests for Australia, 9 Origins for NSW
NRL Games – 199
Tries scored – 58
Goals kicked – 691
Total points – 1631
