Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan has denied a rift with former player James Maloney after the five-eigth admitted he hadn’t spoken to his former mentor since being released to the Penrith Panthers.

“Things didn’t go sour. We always respect James for what he did for our club,” Flanagan told Fox Sports.

“He’s our first premiership-winning five-eighth. He’s in the team of the half century, I’ll never forget what he did for this club.

“When James is finished playing football, he will be more than welcome back at our club.”

The Sharks made a straight trade for former Panthers captain Matt Moylan.

Maloney will play halfback tonight against North Queensland in Townsville.