Didnt see this mentioned from Saturdays paper:
Todd Carney given all clear to play in Cronulla's trial matches
TODD Carney will finally get a chance to repay the faith the Sharks have shown in him, with the new Cronulla recruit given the all clear to play in both his side's trial matches in February.
The 2010 Dally M player of the year will be trialled like all the Cronulla playmakers, but it is understood he has the inside running to wear the Sharks' No. 6 after a solid start to his pre-season training. It leaves Wade Graham, Albert Kelly, Jeff Robson and Chad Townsend fighting for the halfback spot alongside him.
Sharks coach Shane Flanagan said he was already impressed at the combination Carney was forming with Graham, but insisted a lot could change between now and the opening round of the season.
"There's three or four combinations there I can use," Flanagan said.
"At this stage Todd and Wade have struck a good combination."
Flanagan said it was important to his plans that Carney play both games to help build combinations.
"If he's fit he'll play both of them," he said.
"It's good to build that combination between them.
"We'll be treating this trial with a fair bit of respect. Only (Paul) Gallen and Jeremy Smith will probably be rested. It won't be a full list, but we'll go in knowing we need to be getting things done right before the season starts."
Carney's first outing in Sharks colours is just one of the highlights this pre-season.
Rugby league will return to Tasmania for the first time since 1998 in February, when the Storm and Broncos stage a trial in Hobart.
The Storm will host a game in partnership with the local North Hobart AFL club for their final trial. February will also be the first time Parramatta's big off-season recruits, including Chris Sandow, Ben Roberts and Willie Tonga, play together. Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens has one of the toughest assignments this pre-season with his side going through major roster changes, particularly in their 2011 first-string side.
Tigers winger Beau Ryan and new centre Joel Reddy could be set to spend time in the back row next season as part of Sheens' plans.
Ryan, who has played at fullback, centre and wing for the Tigers, may be able to add lock to the list of positions he has played if the pre-season campaign goes according to plan.
Sheens said Ryan showed merit playing in the No.13 position during brief stints in the forward pack last season and is considering giving the 26-year-old more time in that position this pre-season.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...as-trial-matches/story-e6frexnr-1226206619052
Todd Carney given all clear to play in Cronulla's trial matches
TODD Carney will finally get a chance to repay the faith the Sharks have shown in him, with the new Cronulla recruit given the all clear to play in both his side's trial matches in February.
The 2010 Dally M player of the year will be trialled like all the Cronulla playmakers, but it is understood he has the inside running to wear the Sharks' No. 6 after a solid start to his pre-season training. It leaves Wade Graham, Albert Kelly, Jeff Robson and Chad Townsend fighting for the halfback spot alongside him.
Sharks coach Shane Flanagan said he was already impressed at the combination Carney was forming with Graham, but insisted a lot could change between now and the opening round of the season.
"There's three or four combinations there I can use," Flanagan said.
"At this stage Todd and Wade have struck a good combination."
Flanagan said it was important to his plans that Carney play both games to help build combinations.
"If he's fit he'll play both of them," he said.
"It's good to build that combination between them.
"We'll be treating this trial with a fair bit of respect. Only (Paul) Gallen and Jeremy Smith will probably be rested. It won't be a full list, but we'll go in knowing we need to be getting things done right before the season starts."
Carney's first outing in Sharks colours is just one of the highlights this pre-season.
Rugby league will return to Tasmania for the first time since 1998 in February, when the Storm and Broncos stage a trial in Hobart.
The Storm will host a game in partnership with the local North Hobart AFL club for their final trial. February will also be the first time Parramatta's big off-season recruits, including Chris Sandow, Ben Roberts and Willie Tonga, play together. Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens has one of the toughest assignments this pre-season with his side going through major roster changes, particularly in their 2011 first-string side.
Tigers winger Beau Ryan and new centre Joel Reddy could be set to spend time in the back row next season as part of Sheens' plans.
Ryan, who has played at fullback, centre and wing for the Tigers, may be able to add lock to the list of positions he has played if the pre-season campaign goes according to plan.
Sheens said Ryan showed merit playing in the No.13 position during brief stints in the forward pack last season and is considering giving the 26-year-old more time in that position this pre-season.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...as-trial-matches/story-e6frexnr-1226206619052
