Carney on table for eager Manly

MANLY could be set to offer Todd Carney a NRL lifeline after Sea Eagles coach Trent Barrett refused to rule out making a play for the league bad boy.

The Sea Eagles have not made any official contact with the 2010 Dally M Medallist but are studying a number of options, including signing Carney to fill a vacant halves spot next season.

Carney is yet to be registered by the NRL, another development Manly must consider.

The Sea Eagles missed signing Mitchell Pearce and granted five-eighth Blake Green an early release to join New Zealand Warriors.

Carney, 31, signed with Cairns-based Intrust Super Cup club, Northern Pride, in late October, rejecting a $1.2m, three-year offer from English club, Hull Kingston Rovers.

Manly recruit Lachlan Croker has made an immediate impact at training since arriving at the club while Jackson Hastings is another candidate to partner Daly Cherry-Evans at the scrumbase next season.

For all Carney’s madness, Manly know of his unlimited natural talent.

Manly have about $800,000 free under the salary cap but Barrett won’t be rushed into any decision regarding his five-eighth position.