JAMES Maloney has made the shock admission he hasn’t spoken to Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan since being traded to Penrith during the off-season.

Maloney was caught up in the biggest movement of a crazy player market circus which dominated headlines during October and November.

It involved a big-money swap deal that saw him punted to the Panthers and Matt Moylan land in the Shire.

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Round 20

Maloney revealed to Fox League’s League Life he first found out about the swap through media speculation, and then only had it confirmed by a phone call from his manager while he was on World Cup duties with the Kangaroos.

And, bizarrely, he still hasn’t been contacted by Flanagan.

“To be honest I haven’t spoken to him since,” Maloney said.

“A few of the boys called me. I had Gal (Paul Gallen) call me and Lewy (Luke Lewis) and a few guys like that.

“It was a bit out of the blue and it just happened, so that’s how it went.”

Sharks coach Shane Flanagan and James Maloney celebrate the 2016 premiership. Source: News Corp Australia

Maloney spent two seasons at Cronulla and led the side to the drought breaking 2016 premiership with Flanagan as coach.

That’s why it may seem strange to outsiders that neither coach nor player has contacted the other since Maloney’s surprise switch to Penrith.

But the veteran playmaker holds no ill feeling towards the Sharks or anyone at the club.

“I’ve got really fond memories of the joint, I’ve got great relationships with all the boys there and everyone at the club,” he said.

“I think that’s just the way it was. They were interested in getting Matty to the club and Penrith said the only way that’s going to happen is if we get James.

“It worked out for me. I’m comfortable with the decision and I’m sure Cronulla is happy with the decision.”

Maloney admits the sudden swap deal surprised him.

The entire circus played out while he was concentrating on the World Cup with Australia.

“It all came around quite quickly. There was obviously rumours and the idea got floated.

“When I first found out I called Matty — I get on really well with Matt — to find out what was doing. We were both a bit unsure,” he said.

“After that I had a meeting with Gus just floating the idea, if I was open to coming, I said yeah I have no issue.

“We chatted about what sort of contract it would look like.

“Then it all sort of went quiet. It was reported Moyza’s manager said no he’ll be staying put, then I got a call from my manager while I was in World Cup camp saying the deal is done, don’t tell anyone.”