Todd Carney, the NRL bad boy, seems to be on his way to Cronulla, while the Sydney Roosters, his former team, are distancing themselves from All Blacks superstar Sonny Bill Williams.
It has come to light that South Sydney is not interested in signing the troubled former Dally M Medal winner Carney, and the Gold Coast Titans have also pulled back their interest.
This situation leaves Carney with a single option – the Sharks.
It is understood that Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan will engage with Carney’s manager, David Riolo, as the Sharks are expected to propose a two or possibly three-year deal.
However, the Sharks will require Carney to agree to several strict discipline clauses before finalizing the deal for the former Sydney Roosters and Canberra star.
Additionally, NRL chief executive David Gallop will conduct an interview with Carney prior to registering the talented yet unpredictable player for what could be his last chance in the NRL.
Gallop has expressed frustration regarding Carney’s ongoing assurances about his conduct. Recent photographs of a heavily tattooed Carney appearing intoxicated during a holiday in Thailand may not be well-received by Sharks fans.
When asked how his club would manage Carney if he were to sign, Sharks chairman Damian Irvine stated, “We would handle Todd exactly the same as the rest of our roster. We have a good, genuine roster.
“They understand what behaviors are acceptable and unacceptable. We maintain standards and expectations.”
In another development, the Roosters have refuted the hottest rumor in rugby league – that the club will soon secure All Blacks superstar Sonny Bill Williams.
Speculation has been rising over the past week that Williams might return to the NRL following the Rugby World Cup 2011, with many assuming that Bondi would be his destination.
However, one Roosters official confirmed, “It’s rubbish. We have never had a discussion with him.”
by Buford Balony
