Maroons wary of Carney threat

Queensland and New South Wales have faced off so many times that they know almost everything about each other.

That is why the relatively unknown quantity of Todd Carney has got the Queensland side talking, and while they will never admit it, maybe even a bit worried.

Rookie Carney has been in superb form for high-flying Cronulla Sharks and will team up with former Sydney Roosters teammate Mitchell Pearce in the New South Wales half-back positions.

Maroons men Johnathan Thurston and Sam Thaiday spoke about Carney on the Sydney Morning Herald website.

Thurston: “He and Pearcey (Mitchell Pearce) took the Roosters to a grand final, they know each other’s games well and they aren’t afraid to take the line on, they will test you.

“If their forward pack gets a roll on, they’ll (Carney and Pearce) carve us up.”

Thaiday: “He’s playing great footy for the Sharks. I think he and Paul Gallen are really steering that Sharks team around, the influence of those two blokes will be great.

“I’m sure they will be NSW’s best players next Wednesday.”

Carney’s best assets are his footwork and his ability to evade opponents which will be vital to the Blues attack in what will be such a tight game.