Carney a Shark in 2012
26/10/2011 11:35:26 AM
Todd Carney has put weeks of media speculation behind him by today officially signing with the Cronulla Sharks for the next two seasons.
The confirmation that the 2010 Dally M Player of the Year will be joining the Cronulla club will signficantly bolster an already formidable Sharks playing roster in 2012.
On top of the recent annoucement of skipper Paul Gallen signing on as a ‘Shark for Life’ and coupled with the acquisitions of forwards Andrew Fifta, Bryce Gibbs, Isaac De Gois, Ben Ross, Mark Taufua and Jon Green, along with the signing of halfback Jeff Robson, Carney’s commitment to the Sharks has coach Shane Flanagan understandably excited about his teams prospects next year.
“Todd has shown he is a quality player and is somebody who defintetly adds class to our roster for the next two years,” Flanagan said. “I think our recruitment for 2012 has been excellent and to have Todd coming to the club as well, complementing what we already have, is a huge bonus.”
Carney was the NRL’s outstanding player just two seasons ago, guiding his Roosters side into a Grand Final matchup with the Dragons, with Flanagan confident the playmaker can deliver more of the same for the Sharks over the next two seasons.
“I’m defintely excited to see what Todd can bring to our performances on the field next year. We lost a number of games by less than a converted try last season and if his skill and ability can provide more scoring opportunities and more points for us I can see it being a very positve year for the Sharks,” Flanagan said.
“The fact he kicks goals at a better than 80 percent success rate is also an another plus in his favour.”
While the Sharks were pleased to be welcoming Carney into the fold, the player himself was also eagerly anticipating the move to Cronulla and keen to make an immediate and signficant contribution at his new club.
“I am really looking forward to this opportunity with the Sharks,” Carney said. “Pre-season is just around the corner and the roster for next year looks very strong. I can’t wait to get into training with my new teammates as soon as possible.”
Carney will join the entire Sharks squad, minus Gallen and Jeremy Smith who are on Four Nations duty with the Australian and New Zealand teams respectively, for the start of pre-season training in the coming weeks.
http://www.sharks.com.au/default.aspx?s=article-display&id=44732&title=carney-a-shark-in-2012
