Catalans Dragons have secured the signing of New South Wales star James Maloney from Penrith Panthers.
The 33-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Super League rivals Leeds Rhinos but will instead move to the South of France at the end of the season.
The two-time NRL Premiership winner has signed a three-year deal with the Perpignan club.
Despite having another year to run on his deal with Penrith, Maloney has been granted an early release to fulfil ambitions of playing overseas.
Still regarded as one of the NRL’s best players, Maloney was instrumental in helping NSW Blues defend their State of Origin title in the series decider two weeks ago.
He spoke earlier this month about his desire to play in Super League.
“It’s always been the goal to finish up with a stint over there and we’ve always sort of thought, in terms of lifestyle, the South of France would be a little better than the North of England,” Maloney told Triple M.
Catalans general manager Alex Chan added: “He’s a winner, like everyone says, and he’s a very good player.”
