Todd up for Origin spot

Todd Carney claims he’s ready to play in the State of Origin after helping his Cronulla Sharks beat local rivals St George Illawarra.

The sharks fly-half has been in the news over the past two years for all the wrong reasons - sacked by both the Raiders and Roosters for off the pitch problems. On top of that he was also deregistered by the NRL for a year. Because of all his alcohol-fuelled errors, Carney has become the poster boy for all the current generation of NRL stars.

However, after a dominant display at the Toyota Stadium in which he was as ace in attack as he was deadly in defence, the 25-year-old declared himself ready to help New South Wales finally end Queensland’s stranglehold on the Origin title.

“I definitely want to be there for Origin. I have wanted to ever since I started in first grade when I was 18,” Carney said. “There’s been opportunities when I could have been there and I feel I am ready for it and I just want to put my hand up and give it a crack.

“It would be a big tick for me and a pat on the back for me if I get a call, but there are lots of other blokes in the mix who are playing good footy.”

Carney looked a class apart as he converted tries in either half from John Morris and Wade Graham to elevate his side into a top-four spot for the first time since 2008.

Sharks coach Shane Flanagan was pleased with Carney’s display, but was keen to heap praise on his

side’s outstanding defensive performance, as they secured a fourth successive victory.

“We gave them plenty of opportunities to have a crack at us but they were brave and courageous and cannot wrap them enough,” Flanagan declared.

“But it’s a long season and I don’t want to get too excited, although we are heading in the right direction that is for sure.”