Catalans Dragons are pleased to announce the signing of Australian playmaker James Maloney from the 2020 season.

The Penrith Panthers halfback has signed a 3 years contract and becomes the first marquee player of the club since the introduction of the rule.

James Maloney said: “I’m really excited about the opportunity to join the Catalans Dragons. I have a really good relationship with Steve McNamara and look forward to playing under him and enjoying a lot of success at the club.”

“Having watched the team win the Challenge cup last year, I find it extremely motivating and would love to add other trophies to the cabinet during my time here.”

“I’m excited to bring my wife Jess and four kids over to learn all about the French culture and the experience that comes with it.”

After making his NRL debut for Melbourne in 2009, Maloney joined New Zealand Warriors and led them to the NRL Grand Final in 2011. Success followed Maloney to Sydney Roosters, where he won the premiership in 2013, and three years later he guided Cronulla Sharks to the club's first-ever Premiership title. He then signed for the Penrith Panthers in 2018.

A proven winner, he also won a World Club Challenge, was part of Australia's successful campaigns at the 2016 Four Nations and 2017 Rugby League World Cup and guided the Blues to a back to back State of Origin series victory.

Maloney, 33, has achieved 241 NRL appearances along with 14 State of Origin games for NSW and four Tests for the Kangaroos.

Dally M Five eight of the year in 2016, NRL's top points scorer in 2013, 2014 and 2015, he is the No. 11 all-time Top points scorer in NRL history with 1825 points scored.

Catalans Dragons headcoach Steve McNamara said: “James is a huge signing for both the Catalans Dragons and the Super League competition. He is quite simply a winner, a great player with outstanding game management skills. As the current NSW stand off this is a real coup for us. Having coached Jimmy during my time as an assistant coach at the Roosters I know full well the huge impact he will have both on and off the field.”

James Maloney profile

Date of Birth : 15 June, 1986
Height : 176 cm
Weight : 83 kg
Position : Halfback
Previous Clubs : Melbourne Storm, New Zealand Warriors, Sydney Roosters, Cronulla Sharks, Penrith Panthers
Debut : Melbourne Storm v Penrith Panthers, 11 April 2009
Club Stats : Melbourne Storm (2009) : 4 appearances | New Zealand Warriors (2010-12) : 75 appearances,  24 tries, 547 points | Sydney Roosters (2013-15) : 79 appearances,  23 tries, 736 points | Cronulla Sharks (2016-17) : 45 appearances,  11 tries, 380 points | Penrith Panthers (2018-19) : 38 appearances,  6 tries, 162 points
Rep. Honours : Australia (2016-17) : 3 appearances, 2 tries, 30 points | New South Wales (2013, 2016-19) : 14 appearances, 2 tries, 70 points | NSW Counrty (2013, 2015-16) : 3 appearances, 2 tries, 24 points

Honours 

World Cup Winner: 2017
Four Nations Winner: 2016
State of Origin Series Winner: 2018-2019
NRL : 2013, 2016
NRL Minor Premiership: 2013, 2014, 2015
World Club Challenge: 2014
NRL's top points scorer: 2013 (252 pts), 2014 (234 pts), 2015 (250 pts)
Dally M five eighth of the year: 2016

www.penrithpanthers.com.au