Penrith star James Maloney has rubbished reports that he will depart the club to join the English Super League, as reported by The Daily Telegraph.
The 33-year has expressed his desire to move to the UK once his deal with the Panthers expires in 2020, but will first see out his contract in Sydney's west.
“I’ve made it clear that I’ll go over there and that’s probably where it stems from,” Maloney told The Daily Telegraph.
“I’ve been pretty open and that’s my intention once I finish here at Penrith.
“But I don’t think it will be next year.”
Maloney has played in eight finals over the last nine years, winning a premiership with the Roosters in 2013 and Cronulla in 2016.
“I haven’t (signed) anything. I’ve got another year here,” Maloney said.
“The club wants me here, as far as I know. It’s all paper talk, there’s not much there.”
Maloney will face off with former teammate Mitchell Pearce when the Panthers face the Knights this Saturday.
Penrith will look to bounce back from a disappointing 12-20 loss to the Eels last week.
“They’re a side on the up so we’ll have to be pretty good,” Maloney said.
“They’ve got plenty of dangerous players. We’ll do a little bit on them but I think most of the focus will be on some of the improvements we need to make from our game.
Doesn’t need to has an automatic career in media and possible assistant freelance coaching
Not as a tackling coach though 😀
This is an old story – sure it was covered elsewhere days ago, maybe even last week.
But I don’t think Penrith would be letting him go anywhere just yet – too much experience and knowledge of the game to let go, not to mention skill.
Honestly don’t think Cleary (junior ) would manage too well without Maloney.