Maloney said at the start of the year he had always wanted a Super League swan song and the only reason he would call time on the Panthers early was if "for some reason my body was getting knocked around too much."

The Super League is less taxing physically because of the emphasis on attack rather than defence, which suits playmakers such as Maloney and Blake Austin, who has enjoyed plenty of success in his first year at Warrington.

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It is understood former Panthers supremo Phil Gould indicated to Maloney he would be moved on at the end of his second year, despite signing a three-year deal. Gould was keen for Maloney to work with Jarome Luai before leaving so he would come through and partner halfback Nathan Cleary in 2020.

Maloney and Luai will be the starting halves against the New Zealand Warriors on Sunday as the Panthers chase a fifth straight win.

Based on Maloney's brilliant return last Sunday for the Blues, it would come as no surprise if another NRL club showed interest in the 33-year-old.

Maloney did not make his first-grade debut until he was nearly 23 and is backing himself to play on until he is 36.

After Blake moved to Parramatta this week, Penrith's salary cap suddenly looks much healthier for next year. If Maloney landed a new deal elsewhere, Penrith would have the chance to pay a portion of his deal without busting the cap.

Rival clubs are forbidden from tabling any offers before November 1, but that does not stop them from having a conversation with the in-form No.6.

I'd be silly not to look at something if it popped up.

James Maloney

French-based Super League club Catalans would have appeal because of the warmer weather and Maloney's association with coach Steve McNamara, with whom he worked while an assistant to Trent Robinson at Sydney Roosters.

Some money will also be freed up at Catalans at the end of the year with Greg Bird's retirement.

Catalans general manager Alex Chan, the former Parramatta and Storm prop, said of Maloney: "We'd definitely be interested, and it would be silly not to show interest in a player like him. He's a proven winner, as everyone says, and he's a bloody good player.

"We're on the Mediterranean, we've got the lifestyle, the love of the game and chance to experience another culture.''

Leeds are another club in need of a playmaker and have plenty of cash, but also face an anxious wait just to survive relegation in the coming months.