Penrith five-eighth James Maloney will head over to the Super League at the end of the 2019 season, with the club confirming the news on Wednesday.
Maloney will be released from the final year of his Panthers contract in order to move overseas and join the Super League.
The 33-year-old has won two NRL premierships, with his NRL career spanning 11 seasons and 241 games to date.
“James has made no secret of his sincere desire to finish his rugby league career with a stint in the Super League,” Panthers Chairman Dave O’Neill told the club's website.
“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.”
NSW era of dominance just took a hit!
Without Maloney in the NSW squad, Cleary, Pearce, Brooks, Moses, Townsend, and the rest of them couldn’t win a coin toss with 3 guesses, let alone an Origin game.
Andy. You left out the big one. Luke Keary. He will fill the spot perfectly.
Will Ivan recall Josh Reynolds now!
Penrith will finish bottom 4 next season without Maloney.
Maloney will think he’s back at the roosters.
Very strong french influences there.
Maloney is definetely a player who will suit the super league immensly. Farewell, and i hope you can help the Catalans achieve success
Agree – Maloney is perfect for ESL – he will kill it over there