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The Warriors have failed to retain playmaker James Maloney, with the five-eighth confirming he will continue his NRL career in Australia in 2013.
Maloney, who has developed into one of the competition's top playmakers since joining the Warriors from Melbourne in 2010, will see out the final year of his contract next season.
But while he did not reveal which club he would be going to, Maloney says the decision to move back across the Tasman wasn't an easy one and was based on a desire to be nearer family and friends.
The NSW-born Maloney, who is due to become a father for the second time, says he owes a lot to the Warriors, who signed him after just four first-grade games for the Storm.
"The club came up with a great offer but the big issue for us has always been our desire to go back home to Australia so we can be closer to our families and friends," he said.
"There was interest from other clubs but it's been a really tough decision to make and I know we'll miss the Warriors and all the supporters."
Maloney is relieved to have the issue sorted out so he can concentrate on next season under new coach Brian McClennan.
Warriors recruitment manager Dean Bell was disappointed the club couldn't retain Maloney, but the player had made it clear that family issues were the big factor in his decision.
His departure will be cushioned by the arrival at the end of next season of Kiwis utility Thomas Leuluai, who will be returning from Wigan to the club where he began his first-grade career.
Maloney, 25, has been the Warriors' first choice five-eighth in his two seasons in Auckland.
He has missed just two of the club's 53 matches during that period, both through suspension, and scored 394 points, including 20 tries.
http://www.nrl.com/maloney-to-leave-warriors-after-2012/tabid/10874/newsid/65527/default.aspx
Maloney, who has developed into one of the competition's top playmakers since joining the Warriors from Melbourne in 2010, will see out the final year of his contract next season.
But while he did not reveal which club he would be going to, Maloney says the decision to move back across the Tasman wasn't an easy one and was based on a desire to be nearer family and friends.
The NSW-born Maloney, who is due to become a father for the second time, says he owes a lot to the Warriors, who signed him after just four first-grade games for the Storm.
"The club came up with a great offer but the big issue for us has always been our desire to go back home to Australia so we can be closer to our families and friends," he said.
"There was interest from other clubs but it's been a really tough decision to make and I know we'll miss the Warriors and all the supporters."
Maloney is relieved to have the issue sorted out so he can concentrate on next season under new coach Brian McClennan.
Warriors recruitment manager Dean Bell was disappointed the club couldn't retain Maloney, but the player had made it clear that family issues were the big factor in his decision.
His departure will be cushioned by the arrival at the end of next season of Kiwis utility Thomas Leuluai, who will be returning from Wigan to the club where he began his first-grade career.
Maloney, 25, has been the Warriors' first choice five-eighth in his two seasons in Auckland.
He has missed just two of the club's 53 matches during that period, both through suspension, and scored 394 points, including 20 tries.
http://www.nrl.com/maloney-to-leave-warriors-after-2012/tabid/10874/newsid/65527/default.aspx
