Toovey backs Carney to come good
February 04, 2012 17:42:24 UK
New Manly coach Geoff Toovey has seen many controversial and troubled players in his own playing days. Bad boys such as Solomon Haumono, Terry Hill, Craig Field and John Hopoate had all been branded villains in the media for their aggressive and sometimes bizarre antics.
I'm glad he's returned. I think he's a great player.
Geoff Toovey
While these kind of hyper aggressive players get a lot of stick from the press, Toovey believes that they should never be written off as failures.
This is why Toovey has nothing but positive things to say about Cronulla Sharks' new signing Todd Carney, who has been chased by controversies wherever he has gone.
Brisbane Broncos are 7.00 to win the 2012 NRL Grand Final, while Manly Sea Eagles are 5.50 to emerge victorious.
Many people wanted to see Carney rot as a free agent but not Toovey, who is happy to see the 25-year old playmaker make it back to the NRL after being sacked by his former club Sydney Roosters last year.
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In a recent interview with Sportal, Toovey said: "I'm glad he's returned. I think he's a great player and the game would be a lot poorer if he wasn't playing.
He's been given a couple of chances and I'm not about to judge him on what he's supposed to have done, but he seems to be genuine in his efforts to make a go of it. Good luck to him. He's a quality player and we look forward to watching him play."
The Sharks have been criticised by some people for giving Carney one last chance but Toovey says the move makes sense for both the parties.
"If he gets it right, I think he and Cronulla will do well this year. He's a quality player and was the best in the game just two years ago.
"We obviously don't want him to go too well against us but I wish him the best for the year," the Sea Eagles coach said.
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