Paul Gallen's transformation from controversial bad boy to one of the game's most popular figures is the blue print for Todd Carney's rugby league redemption, according to Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan.
Carney fronted the media on Tuesday for the first time since joining the Sharks on a two-year deal last October, insisting he's ready to make the most of his last chance in the NRL.
The 25-year-old was shown the door by the Roosters last season after he ignored a team-imposed booze ban.
But Flanagan is confident the 2010 Dally M Player of the Year can follow Gallen's example and win back the respect of the rugby league public with his on-field brilliance.
"Gal's done a great job and it's all been about Gal's performances on the field and that's where we need to get Todd to," Flanagan said.
"If he's playing good football, the public will accept that and obviously he's got some responsibilities off the field as well."
"But his first step is about playing good football for the Sharks and in general, the football public will respect that and support him."
Carney said of his skipper's influence: "Gal's been a great help, I've spent a bit of time with him outside of training and it's been really good."
"He's well liked around town so it's good to be around him."
Flanagan heaped praise on Carney, now at his third NRL club after he was also sacked by the Raiders following a string of alcohol-related incidents, insisting the troubled star has been a model citizen so far.
"He's fitted in really well to the culture and attitude that we want down here," the coach enthused.
"He's put a lot of hard work into the training and I think that's got his head into a good space and I think he's really looking forward to getting out and doing what he does best."
"Obviously everyone is still a bit apprehensive about where Todd Carney is, and I know everyone says 'leopards don't change their spots', but we're just concentrating on Todd Carney on the football field and if he gets that right we've seen how good he can be."
"So it's a work in progress but I'm glad we got him, really glad."
Meanwhile, Flanagan revealed Carney will make his club debut at half-back in Friday's trial match against premiers Manly at Shark Park.
"If he plays with Wade he'll play at seven," Flanagan said.
"It'll be a similar role to what he played with Terry Campese at Canberra, so Todd will play at seven with Wade but if he plays with one of the other halves like Chad Townsend or Jeff Robson he'll play at six."
Carney says he's excited at the chance to return to his old position.
"Seven or six, the way we play these days it's pretty much the same but there'll be a few different roles the way Shane wants it," Carney said.
"I'm really looking forward to it, I haven't really played seven since I was at Canberra so really looking forward to that challenge and to play with some new players will be good."