Todd Carney is hoping his partnership with Mitchell Pearce which helped guide Sydney Roosters to the 2010 grand final will give him the edge over his rivals for the NSW five-eighth spot.
Carney outshone current Blues incumbent Jamie Soward in Cronulla’s 12-0 win over St George Illawarra on Saturday and then declared himself ready for State of Origin.
It was the fourth successive win for the Sharks, and they have all coincided with Carney’s switch from halfback into the No.6 jersey, giving him a genuine chance of a maiden call-up for the Blues.
However, with Warriors five-eighth James Maloney, Newcastle’s Jarrod Mullen and Canberra skipper Terry Campese in contention along with Soward, Carney is refusing to count his chickens.
But he’s keeping his fingers crossed that his previous combination with Pearce, who’s hotly-tipped to keep his halfback spot for the Origin opener in Melbourne in May, could work work in his favour.
“Pearcey’s form is great, and he’s made for Origin. He’s tough and his form last year was really good,” he said,
“He’s a really good mate of mine and I’d love to play with him in Origin, as we worked well together. But there’s an awful long way to go before that happens.
“I’ve tried to avoid the media and not really talk about it, but there comes a time where you have to answer the questions about whether I am ready.
“I feel I am, but there’s a few other good players out there, so I all I can do is put my hand up and hope the coach picks me.”
Cronulla’s win over the Dragons propelled them into the top-four on the NRL ladder for the first time since 2008, but Carney has played down talk his current form is on par with his Dally M Medal-winning season two years ago.
“There’s been a fair bit mentioned that I am back to 2010, but I am playing a completely different role,” he said.
“I think when I hit my straps at the Roosters it was around round 10 or 15 and I have only played four games with Jeff Robson, so we’re getting there.”
Roarsome
Guest
Leave Wallace out of it please. He's only just returning to form after his last origin game.! -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
llieno
Roar Rookie
I agree Paul. I seriously do not see what others do in Pearce. Most overrated first grade footballer in a long time - perhaps this is a little harsh. Maybe it's down to who his old man was and his stature in the game, but all I know is everytime NSW are seriously considering Pearce in origin circles I have to think Qld have this in the bag.
Paul
Guest
Im a roosters fan and watch the roosters closley, mitchel pearce is not up to Origin standard. He can hold his own but has no idea at how to stear a team around the park. If you pick Carney then Peter Wallace needs to be the halfback.
Tom
Guest
Carney outplayed Thurston in the Sharks game against NQLD. Bedsy was giving Smith a real hard go for his money, when he was playing origin.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Ian The selection will involve some logic and some politics and Carney leads in both. LOGIC: The Blues are up against 3 of the greatest players of all time and they have not had a contender in this group since Andrew Johns retired. Carney is rated in the world's top 5 players when at his best and along with Gallen should be an automatic selection. It is laughable to suggest other players if Carney is available. POLITICS: All coaches consult their senior players and Paul Gallen will want Carney as he plays with him for the Sharks, and Pearce played with him at the Roosters and they are close mates. He is also mates with Dugan, assuming he is fit. The Blues spine is still a long way from the Maroons. 1. SLATER V DUGAN OR MORRIS 6. THURSTON V CARNEY 7. CRONK V PEARCE 9. SMITH V BUDERUS, GIDLEY, ENNIS