NRL veteran James Maloney announced he has inked a three-year contract with the Catalans Dragons on Wednesday.
The 33-year-old was given the green light by the club to explore options overseas earlier in the year. His contract with Penrith was due to expire at the end of next season.
Maloney has agreed to a three-year deal with the successful French club, who play in the English Super League, and it will likely be his final rugby league contract.
It was reported that Maloney would have been welcome to stay at Penrith in 2020, with roster changes in recent months allowing salary cap space for the veteran half.
However, the veteran half, who has enjoyed time at the Storm, Warriors, Roosters, Sharks and Panthers across a 241-game career, is thought to want to take his family overseas, and departing for the south of France at the end of 2019 has wound up the option.
Panthers chairman Dave O’Neill said Maloney’s blessings had been granted after a great NRL career.
“James has made no secret of his sincere desire to finish his rugby league career with a stint in the Super League,” O’Neill said.
“Considering the outstanding service he has given to Panthers over the last two seasons and to our game over the last decade, we believe he has earned that right.
“The overseas opportunity recently offered to James, his wife Jess, and their young family is one they are genuinely excited about pursuing together.
“When we farewell James at the end of the season, we will do so knowing he has made an incredibly positive impact on our club and the next generation of players who will carry it forward.”
Despite his age, Maloney has been in excellent form recently, playing a leading role in the Panthers’ mid-season resurgence and helping guide the New South Wales Blues to their second straight Origin series victory.
MORE TO COME
farkurnell
Guest
Yeah but I like The Dogs play for them,making sure Des and Brookie pay overs for the Bros.Tiring up half your Sally Cap in three players leaves the other 23 squabbling over the other half of the pie.Dogs are starting to play the backroom games, now the've got a few chips on the table.
farkurnell
Guest
Can we have Reynolds .We like washed up Josh's down in the Shire
farkurnell
Guest
Good onya Jimmy you will always hold a place near the hearts of all true Sharkies.Part of our First Premiership team you will never be forgotten in the shire.Good luck an au revoir.
Big Daddy
Guest
Probably not up to some of the others talent wise but gave 100% plus and if he made an error or gave away a penalty would soon forget it and get on with game. Good luck to him . Will be missed in NRL.
Pickett
Guest
Sad to hear, but happy for him. He's a real clutch player and character to boot - a winner.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Yeah, that’s a good point. The South of France is one of my favourite places on the planet.
The Barry
Roar Guru
That’s one I haven’t seen thankfully... but if he does go to the Bulldogs we wouldn’t know if the Dragons would have gone well if he’d stayed
The Barry
Roar Guru
I agree...and to be honest while I’d take them, it would be a shame to see them leave Manly. The Bulldogs are being linked with anyone and everyone at the moment. All the players I mentioned I’ve seen mentioned as Bulldogs ‘targets’ over the past month or so.
kk
Roar Pro
The NRL just won't be the same without Jimmy Maloney.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Any takers? Literally anyone for Mary.
Chris.P.Bacon
Guest
Yep, Jimmy's a winner. Good luck to him.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Catalans have Don very well. He will kill it in Super League. He is three time the player Blake Austin is.
jamesb
Roar Guru
The three most influential players in the halves in the 2010's, JT, Cronk and Maloney. All the best to him.
Insider
Roar Rookie
No, I genuinely mean my post, others here would have read my thoughts on Jimmy
Albo
Roar Rookie
The other big difference is that Cleary has also played 5 Origin matches for 3 wins, two series wins, by the age of 21 . He will only be getting better with more experience at that level. That’s why he is already getting paid the big bucks.
Paul
Roar Guru
I wonder if Maloney will be seriously considered for the Hall of Fame in years to come? That's a pretty impressive NRL resume he's strung together. Good on him for taking the chance at a 3 years stint in France as well. Apart from the footy, he and his family should have a great time over there.
Paul
Roar Guru
Please take him!!
Albo
Roar Rookie
Baz, I think you are about as much chance as we are of ever getting them out of Manly !
Emcie
Roar Guru
Mary McGregor?
Davico
Roar Pro
Tigers have an experienced 6 who they are willing to offload who Ivan is a big fan of!