James Maloney committed to Penrith long-term despite discreet interest from the Gold Coast
JAMES Maloney has revealed the Gold Coast Titans expressed discreet interest in his services but he remains committed to finishing his career at Penrith.
Panthers
Don't miss out on the headlines from Panthers. Followed categories will be added to My News.
JAMES Maloney has revealed the Gold Coast Titans expressed discreet interest in his services but he remains committed to finishing his career at Penrith.
Reports surfaced last week suggesting the Panthers were shopping Maloney around despite the playmaker being contacted until the end of 2020.
The story sparked interest from Maloney’s wife, prompting the five-eighth to contact his manager Wayne Beavis to clear the air.
“My wife actually got a bit concerned and said, ‘what is going on and can you call your manager’,” Maloney told The Daily Telegraph.
EXCLUSIVE: Mystery star at centre of Sharks cap scandal
NRL MESS: Incompetent leading the incapable
BUZZ: Painful but a story that I had to pursue
“I spoke to my manager and I believe the Gold Coast made an inquiry to which Penrith said no and that was it.
“There has been a lot of talk but I’ve been in the game long enough to know that there is a lot of shit that floats around.
“It couldn’t be further from the truth but it has never been something that bothers me.”
Maloney reinforced his commitment to Penrith, saying he plans to retire when his contract expires in three seasons.
“I’ve got no intention of moving,” he said.
“I’m here for another three years and that will probably see me out in my career in the NRL.
“I’ve got good relationships with everyone at the club, so I can’t see anything changing.”
Maloney is more worried about the present, starting with resurrecting Penrith’s premiership campaign following consecutive losses.
The NSW Origin star hasn’t played for a fortnight due to a knee injury but after pushing through a solid session on Monday he is fit and ready to fire.
“The break was really good personally to rest the body and freshen up,” he said.
“Now I’m just excited to be back. This is the time of the year you want to be playing footy.
“There will be eight other teams that come next week will all be envious of the position we are in.
“The fact we are playing semi-final football, half the competition will be jealous that it is not them.
“That is why you don’t take the finals for granted and every time there is an opportunity to win the big one.”
Penrith face a tough final round task against the Storm in Melbourne on Friday but Maloney couldn’t be happier.
“It’s perfect,” he said.
“It will be a flat out dress rehearsal for semi-final football.
“They are sending Billy Slater off in his last home game and that is a milestone game for them that they pride themselves on.
“But a game like that will give us a great look before we go into the finals.
“The result is irrelevant because we’ll be playing in the finals regardless, so it is just about having a really good performance to have confidence for next week.”
Maloney is also keen to reconnect with halves partner Nathan Cleary — who has copped criticism for his form in recent weeks.
“I think a lot of expectation gets put on Nathan that is not his doing,” he said.
“People expect man-of-the-match performances every week and it doesn’t matter if you are Johnathan Thurston, no one can play like that.
“But I thought he played really well last weekend against the Warriors. He got players’ player and I thought he tried his guts out.
“It will be nice to get back out there with him and help him steer the side around.
“Nathan is built for big games — he showed that in his first crack at a big arena like Origin — so I have no doubt he’ll be at his best in the finals.”