Shock international contender emerges in race to sign James Maloney: Report

It’s long been speculated Blues star James Maloney was headed to England when his Panthers contract comes to an end, but a new country has emerged as potential landing site for the NRL favourite.

Contracted at the foot of the mountains until 2020, Maloney has previously been open minded about his playing future, refusing to rule out a move abroad.

“I don’t know. I’ve been pretty open at this point and said if a really good offer came up overseas, I’d be silly not to look at it,” he said.

“But I’m not at that point yet. I’ve always wanted to finish with a stint overseas.”

Super League club Leeds was believed to be the likely destination for the five-eighth after they showed a long held interest in his game.

But it appears French outfit Catalan Dragons have emerged as serious competitors to bag the 33-year-old’s winning-ways.

Speaking to French media outlet Trieze Mondial, the club’s general manager, Alex Chan, said the club would be interested in landing the pivot.

“He’s a winner, like everyone says, and he’s a very good player,” he said.

“The club would certainly be interested. It would be stupid to not look at a player like him.”

Meanwhile, it looks as if disgraced Rabbitohs star George Burgess will be headed back home to England after coach Wayne Bennett confirmed late last week that the prop would leave when his contract expires in November.

“George won’t be here next year, that was determined a long time ago and way before anything else happened. But I do want him to stay in the NRL, he is a wonderful player and a good bloke,” Bennett said.

LoveRugbyLeague.com claims that Super League side Warrington are the favourites for Burgess’ signature amid a host of interest from rival clubs, in a move that would likely see the 27-year-old back home for the foreseeable future.