The feud between Phil Rothfield and James Maloney continues to develop after the Penrith veteran had a go at the News Corp journalist on Twitter.
Maloney was unhappy with claims from Rothfield that he was unhappy, giving off bad body language and was destined to leave the NRL to finish his career in the English Super League.
And Rothfield has fired back at Maloney for questioning his journalism ethics.
“It was the night before the game, I didn’t want to disturb him so I rang his manager Wayne Beavis,” Rothfield told NRL 360.
“I said he doesn’t look happy, he’s not talking happy at pressers, he’s not playing happy ... and Wayne Beavis said that’s a fair observation, but he’s not happy because he’s not winning.
“I didn’t say in any part of the copy that he’s dirty at not being the captain. Jimmy’s taken it the wrong way.
“I think he’s a great player, but I think he needs a phone call from Freddy (NSW coach Brad Fittler) like he did last year to lift himself for Origin.”