Paul Carter has been sacked by three NRL clubs and faces sentencing in court for supplying cocaine next month, but incoming Cessnock captain-coach Al Lantry said he wasn’t concerned about the controversial off-field baggage of his new recruit.
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The Goannas announced the 2018 signing of 25-year-old Carter last week and Lantry said the versatile utility, who played three games for the Sydney Roosters this season, was focused on returning to football via the Newcastle Rugby League.
“No, not really [concerned],” Lantry said.
“I’ve spoken to him and he’s all focused on the right areas. And I’m not focused on anything off field either.
“He’s just looking to get back and keep everything on the field and play good footy for the Goeys.”
Lantry said another crack at the NRL wouldn’t be out of the question for Carter, the son of former Penrith playmaker Steve, following stints at the Gold Coast, South Sydney and Roosters from 2014.
“He hasn’t mentioned anything to me about it, but surely it [NRL] would still be on his mind,” Lantry said.
“He still can play there, he’s 25. But all he wants to talk about is Cessnock.”
Lantry said Carter was due to join the Goannas after Christmas and would look to relocate to Newcastle.
Lantry was quite pleased to secure Carter’s services especially considering there was no prior connection with the club, which has missed semi-finals the last two campaigns.
“It’s pretty exciting to get him,” Lantry said.
“Just his presence on the field from the get-go will be outstanding. His knowledge of the game. The people he’s played with and against. He’s picked the brain of so many people. His control on the field will be good for us too.”
Elsewhere, the Kurri Kurri Bulldogs have scored a recruiting coup signing former Maitland Pickers and Wests premiership halfback Jade Porter and ex-NSW Country captain Sam Wooden.
Porter and Wooden are among several players heading to Kurri Kurri with Maitland Pickers centre George O’Brien and Maitland Blacks wing and goal kicker Jono Maloney and signed by the club.
Porter, 36, and Wooden, 31, will add much needed experience to the young Bulldogs after the departure of hooker and captain Terence Seu Seu to Central Newcastle.
Bulldogs coach Ron Griffiths said seven-time premiership player Porter was one of the outstanding halfs in the Newcastle Rugby League and would give the club great direction on field.
Griffiths said former NSW Country fullback Wooden had returned to the Hunter Valley after playing out west in Mudgee.
“They are both very talented footballers and bring plenty of finals experience with them to the club,” Griffiths said.
