They may have helped clinch a main premiership for the Cronulla Sharks but former five-eigth James Maloney has revealed he hasn’t spoken to Sharks coach Shane Flanagan since the club traded him to the Penrith Panthers for Matt Moylan.

The shock switch came while Maloney was in World Cup camp with the Australian side.

“To be honest I haven’t spoken to him since,” Maloney said on Fox Sports’ League Life.

“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.

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

“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.”

The Sharks play the Panthers in round seven.