Dragons rule out play for Carney as Sharks set deadline
Read more:
http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/...et-deadline-20111023-1mekp.html#ixzz1beD8miUx
ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA'S proclamation that the club had ''no interest'' in Todd Carney is likely to ensure he becomes a Cronulla player next year, although Sharks coach Shane Flanagan has warned he will move on unless he receives an answer on the five-eighth today.
It appears almost certain Carney will join the Sharks, especially after the Dragons ruled out making a play for him despite confusion over whether Tim Moltzen will join them. But Flanagan has nonetheless grown tired of the ongoing speculation surrounding Carney's signature, and wants to move forward with or without him.
''We won't be waiting around too much longer,'' Flanagan said yesterday. ''I know it's been hard, he's been away and his manager's been away, but it's just taking too long. I'm expecting everything to be finalised [today], one way or another.''
Advertisement: Story continues below
The Dragons' statement yesterday that the club had ''no interest'' in Carney will strengthen the Sharks' cause. Carney's future had been clouded by suggestions the Dragons saw him as an option if they failed to secure Moltzen.
But the Dragons have now knocked that on the head. A statement on the club's official website confirmed the Dragons had ''no interest in signing Todd Carney and have made no formal inquiries about his services despite reports to the contrary''.
Flanagan would not be drawn on which way he expected Carney, who parted company with the Roosters this year after a number of alcohol-related misdemeanours, to fall. But he was adamant that with the Sharks' squad due to return for the start of pre-season training in a fortnight, he needed to finalise his roster.
Flanagan has been in regular contact with Carney's manager David Riolo. But he said he was ''over'' the continued speculation surrounding the 2010 Dally M winner, also linked with Gold Coast, North Queensland and South Sydney.
''We need to push the button on it,'' Flanagan said. ''We need to know. Our pre-season's getting real close, so we need to finalise our roster. I'm not too worried about what the other clubs are doing but I need to do the right thing by our club.''
There remains no word from the NRL on when salary cap auditor Ian Schubert will make his recommendation on where Moltzen will play next season. He is expected to make a decision this week, although there is no guarantee the fight between the Tigers and the Dragons for Moltzen will be over. Both will have the right to appeal.
The Dragons are standing firm, despite Moltzen's public plea to remain at the Tigers. Hence why Carney has been linked to the club at this late stage.
Carney has also been offered a lifeline by the Titans, although the Sharks are in a position to offer more to the player who is talented but problematic. Carney's mother, Leanne, was expected to have a significant say in the decision and arrived in Sydney yesterday.
The Dragons yesterday announced the signing of Melbourne forward Atelea Vea, although it appeared to have no bearing on their expectations for the Moltzen saga. The club maintained that it was awaiting Schubert's determination.
Mitch Brown is another player who, like Carney, will not be joining the Dragons. The Tigers player had been put forward as a possible replacement for Moltzen, however his manager Gavin Orr confirmed yesterday the utility would remain with the Tigers next year.
Read more:
http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/...et-deadline-20111023-1mekp.html#ixzz1beD3VDQX
