The Warriors have taken another step to plug the hole created by Stacey Jones' impending NRL retirement by signing Melbourne utility James Maloney.

Maloney secured a two-year contract with an option for a third season in 2012, and joins sacked Cronulla halfback Brett Seymour as a new playmaking option for the Warriors next season.

The 23-year-old has made four NRL appearances for the Melbourne Storm this season.

Warriors coach Ivan Cleary described Maloney as a goalkicking playmaker with plenty of ability.

"With Cooper Cronk at the Storm and then Brett Finch being signed, it hasn't been easy for James to get much time in the NRL," Cleary said.

"He has played a lot of his football at halfback but also plays at No 6, which he has done at NRL level. He's also a very good goalkicking option."

Maloney joined Melbourne this year after a stint with Parramatta, making his first-grade debut at five eighth in the Storm's fifth-round 16-14 win against Penrith in April.

Apart from Maloney and fellow new signing Seymour, the Warriors' other contenders in the halves next season include Joel Moon, Isaac John and Aaron Heremaia.

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