Trent Hodkinson vs Todd Carney - Who should Manly sign?
Two names continue to pop up for the Northern Beaches club, and both come with baggage.
Former Sea Eagle Trent Hodkinson is on the lookout for a new club since Pearce joined the Knights, as young guns Brock Lamb, Connor Watson and Jack Cogger appear to be ahead of the 29-year-old in Nathan Brown's line-up.
Hodkinson began his career with the Sea Eagles in 2010, playing 24 games as Manly bowed out to eventual premiers St George-Illawarra in the first week of the finals.
The halfback then moved to Belmore and joined up with the Bulldogs where he played 92 games between 2011 and 2015.
Hodkinson dealt with knee and shoulder injuries during his time at the Bulldogs, playing only six games in 2012.
However his time with Canterbury saw Hodkinson play some of the best footy of his career, with his first taste of State of Origin football occurring in 2014 in the Blues' first series victory over the Maroons in eight long years.
Over the past two seasons, Hodkinson has played at Newcastle under the tutelage of Nathan Brown.
After a relatively consistent first year in 2016, the boy from Campbelltown found himself playing reserve grade in 2017, and is now looking for a fresh start.
The other player that Manly are reportedly circling is former Dally M Player of the Year and renowned NRL loose unit Todd Carney.
If the Sea Eagles went with Carney, they would be taking a major risk as Manly would be Carney's fourth NRL club and sixth overall after playing with the Canberra Raiders, Sydney Roosters, Cronulla Sharks, Catalans Dragons and Salford Red Devils.
Carney is back in Australia following his stint in Europe to suit up for Intrust Super Cup outfit Northern Pride, however is desperate for a return to the NRL.
The 31-year-old was sacked from Canberra in 2009, released by the Roosters in 2011, and then sacked again by Cronulla in 2014 due to repeated incidents involving alcohol.
Is he worth the risk?
Other than the two halves mentioned, Manly have some untested young talent that they could choose to throw in the deep end.
They signed youngster Lachlan Croker from the Canberra Raiders, and also have Jackson Hastings, Tom Wright and Cameron Cullen on their books.
These players are likely to take a few years before they reach an NRL standard, and Manly want to improve on their sixth place finish in 2017 as quickly as possible.
So, Should Manly go back to the future with Hodkinson or hope that fourth time is the charm for Carney?
Only time will tell.
http://www.sportingnews.com/au/leag...ckson-hastings-2018/xgnd5n9umdjt1etct2j8mkyky
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