Cliffy Lyons backs Sea Eagles chasing Todd Carney

CHAMPION Sea Eagles five-eighth Cliffy Lyons has backed the club chasing former NRL bad boy Todd Carney, saying such a move would benefit both parties.

Todd Carney playing in the Super League for Salford this year. Picture: Alexandre Dimou/Icon Sport.

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CHAMPION Sea Eagles five-eighth Cliff Lyons has backed the club chasing former NRL bad boy Todd Carney, saying such a move would benefit both parties.

Carney has been linked with a possible switch to Manly to play in Lyons’ old spot and coach Trent Barrett said the club will be keeping their eyes on him.

“I am for that, I think he is a great player, he would be handy in anyone’s team,” Lyons said.

“He can lead a team around and his kicking game is good, he has good qualities- a lot of good more than bad.”

And he sees Carney as a good foil for Sea Eagles halfback Daly Cherry-Evans.

Cliff Lyons playing for the Sea Eagles in the 1997 grand final.

“I reckon they could get something going.”

Lyons believes Carney could fill a similar role to that of five-eighth Blake Green and a bit more.

The two-time Dally M medallist doesn’t believe that Carney’s history would be an issue.

“Not if he came to Manly,” Lyons said.

“It is a great placed to be and with the players we have got I could see him moulding in very well.”

Another player who has been mentioned as a contender to fill the vacant spot in the halves is Sea Eagles utility player Jackson Hastings.

“He is a goer too and wouldn’t let you down,” Lyons said.

Carney has signed to play for Cairns club Northern Pride and would need a clearance from the NRL to join Manly.