NSW five-eighth Todd Carney will ignore interest from St George Illawarra and Penrith to sign a new four-year deal with Cronulla. The Daily Telegraph understands the contract will be worth up to $2.5 million and be finalised within the next 48 hours.
Sharks officials and Carney's management have been locked in negotiations for six weeks and the deal is just about complete.
Cronulla officials hope Carney's retention can be announced before Sunday's vital match against Canterbury at Bluetongue Stadium. Carney will return from an ankle injury.
Saints and the Panthers had expressed some interest in the 26-year-old, who has settled at Cronulla after a tumultuous career.
Carney told friends he wanted to stay loyal to Cronulla and coach Shane Flanagan. The Sharks gambled on signing Carney after he was sacked for off-field misbehaviour at the Roosters.
Sharks general manager Steve Noyce was saying little last night except: "Todd wants to stay and we want him to stay. We are still working through some issues."
Sharks great David Peachey, who played 232 first grade games, described Carney as a "marquee player".
"He is a drawcard who can attract other players to the Sharks," Peachey said. "Throw in Paul Gallen and you have the marquee players you need.
"Todd is still learning the game but is coming off the back of a couple of great seasons."
