Maloney to leave Warriors
11/25/2011 09:30:13 PM
The Warriors' bid to keep rising playmaker James Maloney in New Zealand past 2012 has failed.
Maloney confirmed he will return to Australia in 2013 with the former Melbourne five-eighth likely to head to the Sydney Roosters after next year, despite being in talks with South Sydney Rabbitohs boss Russell Crowe.
Family reasons are the main reason for Maloney's departure, with his young family - an infant son and another baby on the way - playing a key role for the playmaker.
"I've got no dramas with the club, I'm happy to be here for next year and I will continue enjoying my time over here," Maloney told the paper.
"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."
"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."
The news will be a blow for fans of the Auckland club, with Maloney's form in the 2011 season helping the Warriors reach their second grand final in their 16th year as a club.
New coach Brian McClennan said the decision was inevitable given his young family, and the club had cushioned his departure by signing Wigan and New Zealand playmaker Thomas Leuleuai.