Panthers lodge contract for James Maloney with NRL

The Penrith Panthers have officially lodged James Maloney's three-year deal with the NRL, which will see fullback Matt Moylan make a move to the Cronulla Sharks.

NRL.com reports the NRL still needs to rubber-stamp the deal but it's expected to end months of speculation over the futures of both Maloney and Moylan.

Maloney had a year to run on his current Sharks deal but will secure his future with the $2.4 million three-year deal with the Panthers.

Maloney will slot straight into the five-eighth role at the Panthers alongside young gun Nathan Cleary.

The Panthers were desperate to add an experienced playmaker to their squad after rookie playmaker Tyrone May suffered an ACL injury late in the season and is expected to miss the opening rounds.

Moylan on the other hand only recently re-signed with the Panthers and still had four years remaining with the club.

The Sharks will essentially take over this contract, with the club reportedly signing him to a four-year deal worth $4.6 million.

Although Moylan has played much of his career at fullback, it's unlikely he'll fill that position at Cronulla with both Valentine Holmes and Josh Dugan also vying to wear the No. 1 jersey.

Moylan is expected to slot into the halves for the Sharks alongside Chad Townsend.