Maloney secures playing future

New Zealand Warriors half James Maloney has secured his playing future beyond 2012 by signing a new three-year deal with the Sydney Roosters.

Maloney, 25 years old, is widely regarded as one of the best competitors in the game and in the peak of his career after he played an integral role in guiding the New Zealand based club to only their second Grand Final appearance in 2011.

However he was sensationally told that he was not in the long term plans of the clubs new coach who had already re-signed junior Shaun Johnson and lured former New Zealand International Thomas Luilia back to the Auckland based club.

Maloney had previously mentioned that he wanted to be closer to his Sydney based family and received contract offers by South Sydney, Sydney Roosters and the Gold Coast Titans before making the decision to link with the Roosters after his current contract with the New Zealand Warriors expires at the end of the 2012 National Rugby League season.

“2011 was a real stand out year for James” Sydney Roosters recruitment officer Peter O’Sullivan said when making the announcement.

“We see him (James Maloney) taking his game to the next level here at the Sydney Roosters while merging a long-term partnership with fellow young halves partner Mitchell Pearce.”

“James has a style of play that will compliment the Roosters and has a high goal kicking percentage as well which is an added bonus.” Sydney Roosters coach Brian Smith said on the signing.

“He will be in the prime of his career across the seasons that he has signed to us and we look forward to welcoming James to the Roosters in 2013.”

Maloney has refused to discuss his playing future beyond 2012 as the club returned to pre-season training instead telling media his one and only focus in 2012 and ensuring he plays a role in ensuring the Warriors go one better next season.