Tuesday 16 September 2014 11:15, UK
Catalan Dragons head coach Laurent Frayssinous is still hoping to tempt Todd Carney to France despite facing competition for his signature from rugby union clubs.
The 28-year-old stand-off is having to look overseas to continue his career after being sacked by Cronulla Sharks midway through the current NRL campaign.
The Dragons - who face Leeds Rhinos in the opening round of the Super League playoffs on Saturday, live on Sky Sports - believed to have offered him a three-year deal, with Frayssinous having spoken personally to the player.
"We have been in contact for a few weeks and hopefully it will be done," Frayssinous said. "I am keen to have such a quality player in the Catalan team.
He's heard a lot of good things about the south of France but his manager has got a few options for him, from Super League and from union. We are one of those options.
"He's heard a lot of good things about the south of France but his manager has got a few options for him, from Super League and from union. We are one of those options. We'll see in the next few days or weeks if it can happen."
An Australia international who has also played State of Origin for New South Wales, Carney came close to moving to Super League in 2008 when he signed a deal with Huddersfield, only for the move to fall through when he was denied a visa.
Similar issues stopped Greg Bird from joining Bradford Bulls, though Carney's compatriot went on to play in Europe as he was able to sign for the Dragons instead.
"I remember Greg when he came," Frayssinous added of Bird. "I was assistant coach and everybody was talking negatively about him.
"But that year we had the best end of the season. We were one game from Old Trafford and he was a big part of that, on and off the field."
While Carney could still yet ply his trade in Perpignan in 2015, trialist Sam Williams faces an anxious wait to discover if he has a future at Les Catalans beyond the rest of the season.
The French team are looking for a new half-back with Leon Pryce on his way to Hull FC, though they do expect Scott Dureau to return and fulfil the final year of his contract. Thomas Bosc has recently signed a new deal, too.
"Sam is still an option," Frayssinous said of Williams, who arrived from St George Illawarra Dragons earlier this year.
"I'm pretty happy with Thomas and Scott but it would be nice to have Todd. It would be very exciting for people to watch Todd Carney, even if they are not a supporter of the Dragons."
Meanwhile, the Dragons have confirmed that former Great Britain coach David Waite will leave the club at the end of the season. He has served as assistant coach this year but is due to return to Australia.
"David has been tremendous for me and tremendous for the club over the last two years," Frayssinous said. "I will bring somebody else in. It will be finalised soon."
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