Jennings not on Sharks radar: Flanagan
http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-sport/jennings-not-on-sharks-radar-flanagan-20130114-2cpiq.html
As far as secret negotiations go, Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan believes the Sharks' bid to snare out-of-favour NRL centre Michael Jennings from Penrith is up there with the best of them.
"They're that secret I don't even know anything about them," Flanagan told AAP on Monday.
Jennings is being shopped around by the Panthers whose desperation to free up salary cap space is being hamstrung by the NSW Origin star's reported $650,000 contract.
The Sydney Roosters remain favourites to jag the talented 24-year-old, with the Panthers expected to pick up the tab for part of his current contract in order to get him off their books.
But even with Penrith subsidising the rich deal, Flanagan says the Sharks are in no position to accommodate Jennings after splashing out for two of his high-profile teammates, Luke Lewis and Michael Gordon, as well as Wests Tigers pair Beau Ryan and Chris Heighington in the off-season.
While most clubs would be delighted to land a player of Jennings' calibre this late in pre-season, his price tag puts him out of play for much of the NRL.
"We haven't spoken to his manager or him or anyone else for that matter," Flanagan added.
"We just haven't got the money. Not too many people have got it.
"I'd love to have him, don't get me wrong. But it hasn't been spoken about."
As it stands, centre remains a headache for Flanagan with up to six players trying to fill the left centre spot to partner Ben Pomeroy, who will play on the right.
New recruits Jonathan Wright and Ryan are both capable of playing wing or centre, while Ricky Leutele, Stewart Mills and Matthew Wright will all push to fill the No.3 jersey left vacant by Colin Best's retirement - starting with their first trial match, against Manly on February 8.
"I'd like to think if Pom's fit and healthy he'll get one spot and who wants the other one is a real battle as well," Flanagan said.
In good news for the Sharks, five-eighth Todd Carney continues to train strongly in his recovery from a ruptured achilles and remains on track to play round one.
"He's out on the field and running straight lines now, so that's encouraging," Flanagan said.
"The medical staff are saying Todd will be right for the first competition game, so that's something to look forward to.
"It will take a bit of time (to get back to his best), but he's heading in the right direction."
The Sharks are also hopeful that starting prop Bryce Gibbs (shoulder) will be ready for their season-opener against Gold Coast Titans on March 10.
