Raiders hope Mal can sway Carney
By Brent Read
March 08, 2008 CANBERRA officials are desperately hoping a heart-to-heart with Raiders legend Mal Meninga has convinced half-back Todd Carney to spurn offers from rival clubs and remain in the nation's capital next season.
Meninga, a pivotal figure in the club's halcyon years and still one of the most respected figures in the game, was in Canberra this week in his capacity as Queensland State of Origin coach.
Raiders officials, after reading a story in The Australian last week in which Meninga urged Carney to show loyalty, took the opportunity to arrange a meeting between the pair.
Meninga declined to reveal details of the conversation, although he did admit the pair spoke about Carney's future.
Carney, who has received offers from Penrith and Manly, is expected to make a decision early next week on where he will play in 2009.
Melbourne winger Israel Folau, the other player whose future is attracting early season interest, will also announce his plans prior to the start of the premiership, which begins next weekend.
"I was happy to have a yarn to him about it, about my thoughts and to see where he was with his thoughts, where he sees his future," Meninga said of his chat with Carney. "He's a likeable young fellow. I would like him to stay."
Wherever he elects to base himself next year, Carney will start the 2009 season as one of the highest paid players in the game.
Penrith is believed to have weighed in with an offer which could potentially net Carney close to $500,000 a season, making him one of the top five earners in the NRL.
Even if he stays in Canberra, Carney is looking at a financial windfall.
The Panthers, given the size of their offer and the presence of former Canberra coach Matthew Elliott, were considered the frontrunners to secure Carney.
However, Canberra chief executive Don Furner is optimistic Meninga has helped the Raiders' cause.
"Obviously if Mal speaks, you listen," Furner said.
"He really talked to him about staying loyal, trying to stay at one club.
"I think Mal pointed out that he stayed at the Raiders for less money. He (Carney) listened. I hope it made some sense (to Carney). I think it did."
Meninga, a former Raiders director, admitted he felt for the club given its current situation.
Canberra has found it tough to attract players, particularly in recent years, and could lose its most promising local product should Carney decide to leave at the end of the year.
"It's the team I follow - that will never change," Meninga said of the Raiders.
"I will never follow another club. If I can do anything for them I tend to do so.
"A lot of other ex-players do it in a similar way. We're very keen for the club to survive and be successful.
"It's very hard to attract a marquee player down there. I went down there and had a fantastic 18 years."
