Carney delays decision to focus on Knights battle
Daniel MacDonald
Raiders star Todd Carney may delay a decision on his playing future until next week to focus on Saturday night's NRL clash with the Newcastle Knights at EnergyAustralia Stadium.
Carney met with his manager David Riolo and mother Leanne yesterday to discuss the lucrative offers made by Manly and Penrith or stay with the Raiders.
While the Raiders remain confident of re-signing the 21-year-old, Riolo said Carney would hold off on making a decision.
"Todd has not yet made his decision," Riolo told The Canberra Times last night.
"I met with Todd and Todd's mum today and we will take what we spoke about to the Raiders. We may not make a decision before the first game, but we are getting there."
Carney - who was named at halfback by coach Neil Henry for the season opener against the Knights - declined to comment when contacted by The Canberra Times last night.
Henry yesterday admitted he would be forced to keep an eye on the club's future if the 21-year-old decided to move.
"You have to start thinking about the future as well but you still need to win games of football and he's got a job to do," Henry said.
Carney's contract finishes this season and it has sparked a frenzy of interest to secure the talented playmaker beyond 2008.
"He's paid for another season here," Henry said. "We'll certainly use him in our squad but we're certainly mindful of life after Todd as well."
Terry Campese and William Zillman could slot into the Raiders' five-eighth role, while Marc Herbert and Michael Dobson are halfback replacements. The Raiders' under-20 playmaker Michael Picker is another option in the halves.
Henry said the media frenzy surrounding Carney was a distraction to the team's preparations ahead of Saturday's NRL opener in Newcastle.
"It's destructive in terms of the media, that's the only thing you'll talk about," he said yesterday.
"I think as soon as this is put to bed the better regardless of which way he goes so we can get on with playing some footy."
Campese will partner Carney in the halves against the Knights on Saturday in Newcastle.
Joel Monaghan returns for the Raiders alongside Phil Graham in the centres, while Henry opted for size on the wings selecting Adrian Purtell and Colin Best.
Second-rower Neville Costigan, recovering from a quad injury sustained in the final round last season, will be given every chance to prove his fitness. Joe Picker and Nigel Plum are on stand-by to replace Costigan if he fails to prove his fitness. "It's difficult," Henry said about deciding on his round one side. "Trevor Thurling, his form wasn't too bad there and Michael Dobson [will be disappointed]. Making a decision in the halves is difficult."
Tom Learoyd-Lahrs (knee), David Milne (abdominal), Brett Kelly (knee) and Ben Jones (ankle) were unavailable through injury.
From The Canberra Times today. Looks like we have even more time to wait...FFS!
Announcment Tomoro
