Comeback Carney is thrown to the Wolves

Jun 3 2009 Liverpool Daily Post

ENGLAND and Warrington coach Tony Smith believes the Wolves have pulled off a coup with the capture of former Wigan and Great Britain winger Brian Carney.

Carney, who will turn 33 next month, has not played league since winning the last of his 14 Great Britain caps in the 2006 Tri-Nations series in Australia but will return to Super League after agreeing terms with Warrington.

The Irishman has spent the last two years in rugby union with Munster but will link up with the Wolves when his contract with the Irish Rugby Union officially expires at the end of the month.

Smith said: “I am really excited by the prospect of getting to work with Brian.

“I was asked if I was interested and I said ‘of course’. I met up with him and we liked a lot about each other. It was a match made quite quickly and it suits both parties.

“He’s a championship player and his experience and know-how will be a real asset.”

Carney, whose last appearance for Munster was in a pre-season friendly almost 12 months ago, will be eligible to play for the Wolves in their Challenge Cup semi-final against Wigan on August 8 because his signing was registered before last week’s deadline.

The deal runs to the end of the season but Smith has not ruled out the possibility of a longer stay for the former Gateshead flier.

“He probably hasn’t played a lot in the last couple of years so he’s fresh and ready to go,” said Smith. “He’s in good shape – he’s always looked after himself – he’s a good professional.

“He’s played at the highest level in Australia and in England and we couldn’t not jump at the experience he can bring to a team like ours.

“Anyone who knows him knows he is not just a good professional on the field, he’s a terrific bloke off the field and that brings a lot to your club.

“Even if he never played a game, I’d still be happy for him to be about the club. However, he can still play rugby league very well and he adds more competition and depth to our squad.

“We’re down a number or two because of loaning some people out and making trades. We like to strengthen where we can. It’s a really good coup for the club I feel.

“We’re going to have a look at each other and see what we think. I am sure it will go well. He’s mad keen to see how it goes for himself.”

Carney said: “I’m really looking forward to a new challenge with Warrington and hope I can add something to their game.

“I’d like to thank the players and everyone involved in Munster for their time and efforts. I enjoyed my time there.”

Meanwhile, scrum-half Michael Monaghan is set to miss the Wolves’ trip to Castleford on Saturday after picking up a shoulder injury in his side’s 25-24 Challenge Cup quarter-final win at Hull KR.

Warrington will have threequarters Chris Hicks and Paul Johnson available.

The semi-final with Wigan will be held at Widnes’s Stobart Stadium with a 2.30pm kick-off, with holders St Helens meeting Huddersfield at Warrington’s Halliwell Jones Stadium the following day (4pm).

Saints’ exciting utility player Gary Wheeler has signed a new three-year deal that will keep him with the club until at least the end of the 2012 season.

The 19-year-old former Blackbrook amateur has started to fulfil his immense potential this season, making 10 appearances and scoring 40 points in the process.

Saints chief executive Tony Colquitt said: “Gary has integrated seamlessly into the team and will be an even more exciting talent as he develops.”