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Source = me 2 weeks ago.
5 Years wtf??Carney to put ink to paper for new deal Date May 5, 2013
Michael Carayannis
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Refreshing his contract: Todd Carney looks likely to stay with Cronulla for the rest of his playing career. Photo: Getty Images
Todd Carney is set to become a Shark for life.
The incumbent NSW five-eighth is close to re-signing at Cronulla for at least four seasons and possibly an option for a fifth year which would extend his two-year stint at the club to the end of 2019. With Carney turning 27 in June, the contract length essentially keeps him in the Sutherland Shire for the remainder of his career.
Carney is set to reject advances from the Warriors and Penrith to commit to the long-term contract after joining the Sharks last year, having being sacked by the Roosters. Teammate Luke Lewis let the Carney news slip while presenting an award at St George and Sutherland Shire Leader's Sportstar of the Year dinner on Friday. Lewis mentioned Carney's re-signing while on stage.
It will be a much-needed morale boost for Cronulla as the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority investigations hover over the side.
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Cronulla general manager of football Steve Noyce said Carney had not yet put pen to paper. The club is hopeful of announcing the deal next week. ''He hasn't re-signed yet,'' Noyce said. ''We've been negotiating but as you get towards match day you have to let people prepare to play footy. We are working through that. He is a gifted footballer. We are keen for him to stay at the club but obviously there's interest in Todd from other clubs. I'm not 100 per cent sure [when a decision will be made].''
Carney will play against Newcastle on Sunday, his second match since injuring his ankle against St George Illawarra in round four. He starred in his comeback game against Canterbury as he looks to retain his State of Origin place. James Maloney, Carney's main rival for the NSW five-eighth spot, will look to stake his claim when his Sydney Roosters play Penrith on Sunday. Maloney is eying strong performances to keep his name at the forefront of NSW selectors' minds.
''It's out of my control,'' Maloney said. ''From my point of view it's a matter of putting together a couple more solid performances and hopefully that's enough.
''[Mitchell Pearce and I] are constantly trying to build [our relationship]. We enjoy each other's company and we enjoy playing together. The side is going well and our forward pack is probably not getting the wraps they deserve. Everything that we are doing comes off the back of that.''
Cronulla skipper Paul Gallen has called on NSW coach Laurie Daley to resist pushing him to the front row.''At the end of the day, I'm 105 kilos compared to these blokes who are 115.''
with AAP
