Maloney calls time on career

Catalans Dragons have confirmed James Maloney will leave the club at the end of the 2021 season.

Maloney has announced his decision to retire from playing professional rugby and will leave the Dragons after two seasons.

He arrived at the club in 2019 from Penrith Panthers and made 35 appearances for the Dragons. This season, he reached 300th career appearances and is currently the leading points scorer in Betfred Super League, scoring 172 points so far this season.

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 the 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 back to back State of Origin series victories. He has amassed 241 NRL appearances along with 14 State of Origin games for NSW and four Tests for the Kangaroos.

NRL's top points scorer in 2013, 2014 and 2015, he is No. 11 in the all-time top points scoring in NRL history with 1825 points scored.

James Maloney said: "I’ve had a lot of fun and been very fortunate to have a long career that has given me and my family so many opportunities. I’m very grateful to the Dragons for the opportunity to come and play over here and for how they have looked after me and the family in difficult circumstances with everything going on in the world, and I hope that I can repay that by finishing this season lifting the trophy."

Steve McNamara, Catalans Dragons Head Coach added: "Jimmy will be sorely missed by everyone at the club but we understand and respect his decision to retire after an incredible career. His contribution over the last 2 seasons for the Dragons cannot be overstated and he has a huge desire to now finish the season and his career on a successful note."