Maloney denied Warriors exit

Unsettled New Zealand Warriors half-back James Maloney has been denied compassionate leave to quit the club at the end of the season.

Maloney, 24, is still under contract for next year and has been linked with both South Sydney and Cronulla.

He told Australian magazine Rugby League Week: “The club didn’t let me go home but I am OK with that.

“It’s hard with a young family so far from home at times – you do have tough periods when you miss your home and family.”

Maloney joined the Warriors from Melbourne Storm at the end of 2009.