Raiders Must Shut Down Carney in His Return to Canberra

[Archie]

Stats Pack - Todd Carney



When it comes to key players for the Sharks v Raiders Elimination Final, they don’t come much bigger than Cronulla five-eighth Todd Carney.

In just his first season with the club, Carney has been a revelation for the Sharks, providing leadership, spark and attacking prowess to ignite one of the most exciting backline’s in the competition.

With a must win game confronting the Sharks five-eighth and his men, here is a look at what Todd Carney has produced statistically throughout the regular season.

| ATTACK|
One of the most feared attacking weapons in the NRL, Carney has the arsenal to trouble the most watertight of defences. When the Sharks last played the Raiders at Canberra Stadium in Round 8, the five-eighth had an absolute field day, leading the way in the 44-22 victory with two try assists. Watch and enjoy Carney’s pin point kick to set up Stewart Mills against the Raiders.

Over a year which has seen Carney also represent his state, the dynamic 26 year old has created 11 tries and 10 line breaks, while also contributing 3 tries and 6 line breaks of his own. His unique style of shifting across the defensive line, threatening to run himself or work the ball inside is like no other in the competition, look for the Sharks linchpin to attack the outside shoulder of the sometimes suspect Josh McCrone defence. Watch Carney completely confuse a bewildered Cowboys here.

| GO-FORWARD |
As a run-orientated five-eighth, Carney has had yet another great year running the football, averaging 70.1 metres per game. In what is a great sign ahead of the Sharks must win game against the Raiders, Carney put in his second best running game of the year last week against the Cowboys, with 123 metres from 12 sensational raids.

| DEFENCE |
While not putting up huge defensive numbers with just 11.9 tackles per game, Carney’s combination with Jeff Robson has been one of the more sturdy halves combinations on the fringes of the ruck this year. With a great technique, and the desire to get involved, Carney is well aware of the large amount of traffic the Raiders will send his way. Look for him to take the challenge head on.

| MISCELLANEOUS STATS |
* Carney currently leads all five-eighths and is third in the entire NRL with three 40/20 kicks over the season.

* Since leaving the Raiders, Carney has played against his old team on five occasions. He has scored four tries and kicked 15 goals in that time in what is a terrific strike rate.

* Carney has played in 10 of the 12 Sharks wins this season.

Source: http://www.sharks.com.au/news-display/Stats-Pack--Todd-Carney/63373