James Maloney to play on in 2023 after signing new deal

Josh McAllister
James Maloney

James Maloney will play on next season after signing a new deal with Lezignan in the French Elite One competition. 

The former Blues and Kangaroos playmaker made more than 300 appearances across his career in the NRL and Super League.

Maloney won two NRL Premierships with Sydney Roosters in 2013 and Cronulla Sharks in 2016. He also featured in 14 Origins for New South Wales and won four caps for Australia.

The 36-year-old will play on in 2023 in France with club Lezignan. He originally made the switch to the part-time competition at the end of the 2021 Super League campaign. He had led Catalans to their first ever Grand Final in 2021 after winning the League Leaders’ Shield for the first time in their history.

Lezignan finished the 2021/2022 campaign third in the competition, with AS Carcassonne claiming the title.

The 2022/23 season will be its 88th season of France’s domestic rugby league competition and the 22nd season known as the Elite One Championship.

James Maloney cleared to play after appealing drugs ban

Maloney tested positive for a banned substance earlier this year on February 27, according to L’Independant.

French outlet L’Independant said Maloney was able to prove to authorities that his “drug intake had been carried out for festive purposes and not to improve any sporting performance”.

Maloney was free to play again, and he returned to action during the season. His return came against Avignon, winning 46-12 to progress through to the semi-finals of the French Elite 1 Championship.

They went on to lose 31-18 to eventual champions Carcassonne in the next stage of the competition.

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