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Rugby League > Smith says it's time for Carney at No.6
By Ben Horne
June 23, 2010

Brian Smith's plan to turn Todd Carney into a fullback has been abandoned for the time being at least, with the Sydney Roosters coach naming his star at five-eighth for Sunday's NRL clash with the Warriors.

When Mitchell Pearce has been injured or in Origin, Carney has played in the Roosters halves.

But this is the first week Smith has opted for Carney in the No.6 jersey with his full complement of "spine" players available.

Usual five-eighth and captain Braith Anasta has been shifted to lock, Anthony Minichiello stays at fullback and Pearce plays inside Carney at halfback.

It's the combination most thought Smith would employ for the entire season, and the experienced coach says Minichiello's form at fullback and the chance to play Carney in a familiar position forced his hand.

"Todd won't have to deal with those aspects of the game that he's never had to deal with before we put him there this year," Smith told AAP.

"So it's just an opportunity to make him feel more comfortable, Mini to continue his good form and there's a slight adjustment that Braith's got to make in his game but he's done that before as well.

"The two of them (Carney and Pearce) have obviously built up some combinations anyway.

"I'm hoping none of them play all that much differently to the way they always play."

While fans will be used to seeing Carney in the halves, they won't be accustomed to Adam Mogg wearing his old No.7 jersey at the Raiders.

Mogg, a former Queensland State of Origin winger, played 40 minutes at halfback against South Sydney earlier this season - and Canberra coach David Furner has asked the veteran to again impart his experience in the middle of the field.

After playing 81 matches for the Raiders in the outside backs between 2003-06, Mogg moved to Catalans in the English Super League and began his transition into the halves.

Canberra are desperate for a win at home against Canterbury on Monday night, and Mogg is hoping wisdom he has learned from former greats will help him lead his side around.

"I did a bit of work with (Kiwi legend) Stacey Jones and learnt a bit off him in a pretty short period and I've worked hard with Mick Potter and Andrew McFadden," Mogg said.

"They've been getting me closer to the game and working on keeping me in the game all the time defensively and close to the ball in attack.

"I've just really enjoyed it and worked hard at my game and developed a bit more of an understanding of the game."

Mogg admitted he never thought he would end up in the No.7 jersey but said he wouldn't be doing anything out of the box.

"I don't think my role is going to be looking to do anything flash, there's enough young kids to do that," he said.

"If anything I've just got to try and balance the ship up and just focus on sticking to a game plan and just let the natural talent in the side take over."

Despite their embarrassing 58-12 loss to Melbourne last week, North Queensland coach Neil Henry has decided to give his side a shot at redemption against Cronulla, making minimal changes for Saturday night's clash in Townsville.

"The same bunch of players get an opportunity to prove their worth and get out there and perform for the club," Henry said.
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