Former Warriors centre Konrad Hurrell may have cost the Cronulla Sharks a minor premiership.
Late in extra time of Monday night's game between the Sharks and the Gold Coast Titans, Hurrell stayed down after his leg was twisted awkwardly after a Maloney tackle.
Maloney is facing at least two weeks on the sidelines after receiving a grade two dangerous contact charge.
Maloney will be suspended for two games if he takes the early guilty plea.
Maloney offered some thoughts on the charge during an interview on Triple M NRL after the game.
"He was milking a penalty, he just told me" Maloney said.
Maloney said he actually started getting worried for Hurrell, and said he hoped he hadn't done anything.
He also said Hurrell came over to him and said "They didn't give me a penalty."
"He's a rat mate."