Wigan set to offer Carney a lifeline

Nick Markham | Rugbyleaguelive.com | 19/08/08 | 0

Disgraced Raiders half Todd Carney looks set to continue his career in the English Super League, after Wigan confirmed their interest in the troubled player, despite his off-field history being littered with alcohol-related indiscretions.

With current Wigan pivot Trent Barrett returning to the NRL to play with the Sharks next season an opening is available on the club's roster, and  Wigan chairman Ian Leneghan has confirmed Carney is definitely in the Lancashire clubs sights.

"A player the calibre of Carney, you have to have an interest in him," Lenegan told News Limited.

"There is a touch of risk with players like that but at the same time Wigan's a good club and we've shown we can take care of them.

"I have high regard for Carney and we've shown we won't hold history against them. I never rule out any possibilities and Carney obviously has the capability of being a No6, and as you know, Trent Barrett is coming back at the end of this year."

Wigan has shown recently they're willing to roll the dice with troubled youngsters, with former Eels star Tim Smith currently plying his trade for the club after being released by Parramatta earlier this year.

There has been strong speculation Carney will link with Wigan, give the fact the New Zealand Warriors are said to be ultra-keen on luring Smith back to the NRL, but Carney's manager David Riolo has refused to buy into speculation.

"I'm working away trying to get him a deal. It will happen in the next week and as soon as it does, I'll let you all know," Riolo said.

There is a touch of risk with players like that... Ian Leneghan, Wigan Chairman