Sacked North Queensland Cowboys assistant coach James Maloney has copped a $300 fine after pleading guilty to drink driving in Townsville.
The 38-year-old returned a blood alcohol reading of 0.08 when he was pulled over for a random breath test in Railway Estate on August 30.
Maloney, who joined the Cowboys coaching staff on a two-year contract in November last year, was swiftly dropped by the club after he was charged.
The Cowboys described the departure on the eve of the NRL finals as “amicable”.
The two-time NRL premiership winner appeared in the Townsville Magistrates Court on Tuesday, where he entered an early guilty plea.
James Maloney (left) with Cowboys coach Todd Payten at a training session. (Getty Images: Ian Hitchcock)
Police prosecutor Brandon Wood said Maloney told police he had consumed liquor shortly before he was intercepted.
“For a read of 0.08, ordinarily I would submit that your honour could impose a disqualification period of two months,” Mr Wood said.
“However, it’s been noted in that Mr Maloney has already suffered some extra-curial punishment in the form of losing his employment over this incident.”
Magistrate Kenneth Taylor said drink driving “endangers not only yourself but every other road user” but noted Maloney’s lack of traffic history.
The 38-year-old was fined $300 and had his license suspended for one month.
No conviction was recorded.
The Cowboys declined to comment further on the case.
