ASADA investigation is to blame for the delay
Cronulla Sharks star Todd Carney has made the stunning declaration he has put off all contract talks until the end of the the season, fuelling speculation he may not re-sign with the Shire club.
Carney said he was on the cusp of inking a new deal at the club that saved his NRL career before the Sharks became the focal point of the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) investigation in banned drug-use in the code.
The five-eighth said it was hard to commit his future to any club when he does not know who the coach will be, referring to incumbent leader Shane Flanagan being stood down in the wake of the ASADA scandal along with football manager Darren Mooney.
“It’s hard at the moment with not knowing who the coach is going to be,” Carney told News.com.au
“Moons and Flanno were doing my deal – it was close to being done and now it’s gone.
“It’s been put on hold, but for me I just want to concentrate on playing football.
“I’m in no rush to do anything, I know the club supports me and I support the club.”
With no immediate sign when the Cronulla board are going to soften on their stance regarding Flanagan and Mooney’s future, Carney implored they need to be back leading the club.
“We need Flanno as a group because it’s clear that he’s brought this team together, players have come here because of him,” he said.
“We want him back.”
Interim Cronulla coach Peter Sharp has named the same squad that narrowly lost to South Sydney last round, with John Morris retaining the hooking role with Issac De Gois again missing out.
Sharks’ forward Luke Lewis will need to pass a fitness test later in the week to take his place in the side after being forced from the field against the Rabbitohs with an ankle injury.
Warriors coach Matt Elliott has named an unchanged side for the clash, with New Zealand looking to breakthrough for their first win of the season after being thumped by the Eels round one and narrowly going down to the Roosters by two points.
Sharks: Michael Gordon, Jonathan Wright, Ricky Leutele, Matthew Wright, Beau Ryan, Todd Carney, Jeff Robson, Andrew Fifita, John Morris, Ben Ross, Luke Lewis, Wade Graham, Paul Gallen (c). Interchange: Chris Heighington, Jon Green, Jayson Bukuya, Anthony Tupou, Sam Tagataese
Warriors: Kevin Locke, Glen Fisiiahi, Dane Nielsen, Konrad Hurrell, Bill Tupou, Thomas Leuluai, Shaun Johnson, Sam Rapira, Elijah Taylor, Ben Matulino, Steve Rapira, Simon Mannering (c), Todd Lowrie. Interchange: Jacob Lillyman, Feleti Mateo, Sebastine Ikahihifo, Pita Godinet, Ben Henry
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