EggButterRoll99
New member
THE New Zealand Warriors have launched a shock bid to poach Todd Carney, prompting moves from Cronulla to extend his contract before the season starts.
News Limited can reveal Warriors coach Matt Elliott met Carney and his representatives in Auckland last month.
St George Illawarra is also believed to be in contention for the 26-year-old, who has spent the off-season on the comeback trail from an achilles tendon tear.
Elliott, however, has an inside running for Carney's services from their time together in Canberra.
Although they left the ACT behind long ago, the pair remained in contact and Elliott unsuccessfully tried to lure Carney to Penrith in 2008.Appointed Warriors coach in November, he was quick to take advantage of Carney visiting Auckland for the Fight for Life charity boxing event on December 15.
Carney crossed the ditch to support girlfriend Lauryn Eagle and Sharks skipper Paul Gallen - who were both in action on the star-studded card.
But he also met with Elliott over the same weekend, with the Warriors in the market for a top-level pivot to partner young gun Shaun Johnson in the halves in 2014.
Thomas Leluiai and Harry Siejka have been recruited to fill the void left by James Maloney, who has joined the Roosters this season.
Elliott did not return phone calls yesterday.
However, Sharks coach Shane Flanagan said last night he was aware of New Zealand's interest and revealed a three-year offer had already been tabled to the NSW Origin pivot.
"We put an offer to Todd about three or four weeks ago and we're confident he will stay with us," Flanagan said.
"He's got everything in order since coming here, and it's fair to say he's been out of the papers for a little bit.
"He was also playing some great football before his injury. Todd and his manager have indicated they'd like to finalise something before the season starts, so I'd be very, very surprised if it's not sorted out by then."
Given he's now settled in a steady relationship with Eagle, it would take a special offer for Carney to shift too far from the Shire.
Based a short drive down the Bulli Pass, St George Illawarra would be a valid option - depending on whether the Dragons decide to extend Jamie Soward's contract beyond next year.
Parramatta could also come into calculations, given Eels coach Ricky Stuart is short on five-eighth options to link with Chris Sandow at the scrumbase.
Flanagan said he had no fears in offering Carney a new deal before his return to football, which might not arrive until Round One.
"When he comes back, the achilles will be as strong as ever," Flanagan said.
"It's also an injury that very rarely happens twice.
"He's just got to follow the right recovery process and we won't be playing him until he's 110 per cent right.
"If he's not ready for Round One then we won't risk him."
Cronulla also has Ben Ross, Nathan Gardner, and Anthony Tupou coming off-contract.
\
\
(Courtesy of Daily Telegraph)
News Limited can reveal Warriors coach Matt Elliott met Carney and his representatives in Auckland last month.
St George Illawarra is also believed to be in contention for the 26-year-old, who has spent the off-season on the comeback trail from an achilles tendon tear.
Elliott, however, has an inside running for Carney's services from their time together in Canberra.
Although they left the ACT behind long ago, the pair remained in contact and Elliott unsuccessfully tried to lure Carney to Penrith in 2008.Appointed Warriors coach in November, he was quick to take advantage of Carney visiting Auckland for the Fight for Life charity boxing event on December 15.
Carney crossed the ditch to support girlfriend Lauryn Eagle and Sharks skipper Paul Gallen - who were both in action on the star-studded card.
But he also met with Elliott over the same weekend, with the Warriors in the market for a top-level pivot to partner young gun Shaun Johnson in the halves in 2014.
Thomas Leluiai and Harry Siejka have been recruited to fill the void left by James Maloney, who has joined the Roosters this season.
Elliott did not return phone calls yesterday.
However, Sharks coach Shane Flanagan said last night he was aware of New Zealand's interest and revealed a three-year offer had already been tabled to the NSW Origin pivot.
"We put an offer to Todd about three or four weeks ago and we're confident he will stay with us," Flanagan said.
"He's got everything in order since coming here, and it's fair to say he's been out of the papers for a little bit.
"He was also playing some great football before his injury. Todd and his manager have indicated they'd like to finalise something before the season starts, so I'd be very, very surprised if it's not sorted out by then."
Given he's now settled in a steady relationship with Eagle, it would take a special offer for Carney to shift too far from the Shire.
Based a short drive down the Bulli Pass, St George Illawarra would be a valid option - depending on whether the Dragons decide to extend Jamie Soward's contract beyond next year.
Parramatta could also come into calculations, given Eels coach Ricky Stuart is short on five-eighth options to link with Chris Sandow at the scrumbase.
Flanagan said he had no fears in offering Carney a new deal before his return to football, which might not arrive until Round One.
"When he comes back, the achilles will be as strong as ever," Flanagan said.
"It's also an injury that very rarely happens twice.
"He's just got to follow the right recovery process and we won't be playing him until he's 110 per cent right.
"If he's not ready for Round One then we won't risk him."
Cronulla also has Ben Ross, Nathan Gardner, and Anthony Tupou coming off-contract.
\
\
(Courtesy of Daily Telegraph)
