From this mornings smh
Maloney's win
James Maloney's decision to pull out of the Test against France for personal reasons has led to many unfair and unfounded rumours about one of the game's genuinely decent blokes.
This column knows what led to his withdrawal from the game and it's far from controversial. It's a genuine family issue and all involved deserve privacy.
The Panthers were hoping to officially announce Maloney's signing on Thursday, but the key third-party sponsorship that got him over the line was delayed.
Late withdrawal: James Maloney. Photo: NRL imagery
Matt Moylan had a sponsor, Keno, and the deal is believed to be worth somewhere in the order of $200,000. It's understood that sponsorship may be heading the way of Maloney.
The issue has been that executives doing the deal have been tied up in the world of racing. Melbourne Cup week is a massive event for people in the gambling industry. It's understandable they have other things on their minds.
Maloney's family has moved around a lot for his career and they are already eyeing off homes in the Penrith area.
Penrith general manager Phil Gould will look after the family like royalty. Gould knows Maloney is the player who could bring that winning knowledge to the Panthers in the big games. Maloney is often dismissed as a larrikin and a pest, but there is a lot more to him as a footballer. He's been in grand finals consistently throughout his career and won two titles.
When the game was on the line in last year's grand final it was a Maloney rev-up that got the team on track. The fact young playmakers Nathan Cleary, Tyrone May and Dylan Edwards are on board with Maloney's signing says the star five-eighth is a respected figure.
