Ross labels Carney Cronulla's X-factor
Returning Cronulla front-rower Ben Ross claims fellow recruit Todd Carney is the X-factor capable of carrying the Sharks into the NRL top eight.
Ross and Carney joined the new-look Sharks squad on the first official day of preseason training on Monday - the group put through an arduous session on a warm spring morning.
Cronulla has undergone a makeover ahead of the 2012 campaign with nine new faces - but none with as much pressure or expectation as former Dally M winner Carney.
The Sharks took a punt on the wonderfully talented, yet controversial, playmaker after the Sydney Roosters in September became the second NRL club to show him the door due to off-field indiscretions.
While Carney's signing comes with plenty of risk, the potential upside is undeniable.
"He's the X-factor that any team would love to have," Ross said.
"To have someone like him come to the Sharks, it's a good sign of things to come.
"I think he realises the potential he has. He's reached it at some stages and now he has to prove himself again.
"I just hope he gets back to his best form."
At his best, Carney is a match-winner capable of delivering joy to success-starved Sharks fans - as he did with the Roosters when they made the grand final in 2010.
Having had some brief conversations with Carney - including last week when they were paired together during a weights session - Ross was confident the Sharks had created an environment in which the former Test representative can thrive.
"I think he'll prosper here underneath all the boys and the guidance the club will have for him," Ross said.
"I know he's got something to prove now. Being the best player in the game two years ago - he's got a new lease of life down here at Cronulla."
Ross too has a point to prove - with his first tour of duty with the Sharks derailed by a neck injury which threatened his career.
The ex-Queensland State of Origin representative arrived as a high-priced recruit in 2006, but played just 45 games over four seasons.
He claimed he was ready to repay the Sharks - having proved his fitness by playing every game for South Sydney in 2011.
"I left the club off a four-year deal where I was injured for half of it - I was a bit disappointed with what I gave to the club," Ross said.
"I said to Flanno (coach Shane Flanagan) 'I owe the club a lot' - that's why I've taken pay cuts so I can come back and give them what they deserve."
While Test front-rower and Cronulla captain Paul Gallen is expected to revert to lock when he returns to the Sharks, Ross still faces plenty of competition for a spot in the Cronulla engine room.
The club has also recruited Wests Tigers duo Andrew Fifita and Bryce Gibbs, journeyman prop Jon Green and former Newcastle front rower Mark Taufua.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-11-07/carney-shaping-as-sharks-x-factor/3650808/?site=newcastle
Good on ya Rossy!!
