As the Raiders make a last ditch effort to retain in demand half Todd Carney, the Sea Eagles continue to firm as favourites for his signature for next season and beyond. Carney, who has only recently completed a stint of community service for his role in a Police persuit during his time at the Radiers – is set to be on par with the likes of Sonny Bill Williams and Matt Orford in terms of earnings.
While he hasn’t ever represented his state of country, at 22 years old – many have big wraps on the Canberra young gun who has proven his on field worth in only a few short years of Rugby League.
While it was initially thought Carney would stay in Canberra, the only alternative seemed to be Penrith where his former coach Matt Elliott was keen to link up with his former student and once again work their magic together. While Penrith still remain in the hunt for Carney with a lucrative offer already on the table – the Sea Eagles have waded into the signing war and have apparently offered big money to the sought after Carney.
Sources close to Carney say he is certainly ready to turn his back on Canberra, while the Raiders hoped their counter offer would help the casue – Carney is believed to still hold a grudge against the Green Machine for making him suffer after the very public Police Pursuit and punishment to follow. Carney spending a long period in reserve grade and having to start his career from scratch again, something he hasn’t forgotten.
While the Panthers were always keen for Carney to join them, even old coach Matt Elliott isn’t able to roll out the welcome mat like the Sea Eagles have. Manly currently possess a guaranteed Top 8 side that is buldging with talent across the park, for someone like Todd Carney to join their illustrious ranks – it could mean premierships, rep jerseys and consistent wins for the young gun who has always been in the background at the lowly ranked Canberra club.
So if you were a betting man, forget backing the odds of Carney staying in Canberra and at this stage the best money seems to be on him linking with the resurgent Manly Sea Eagles who are continuing to attract the best players in the NRL.