Captain Paul Gallen is urging Cronulla officials to sign former Dally M winner Todd Carney, convinced the troubled playmaker is the man to guide the Sharks into the finals next year.
Carney has been without a club since being shown the door by the Roosters last month following an alcohol-related breach - the latest upheaval in a career pockmarked by off-field controversy.
North Queensland have expressed interest in the 25-year-old, but the Sharks are the clear favourites after Gallen intervened to convince club bosses they should sign Carney.
Frustrated at missing the finals three years running, the Cronulla skipper is desperate to lead a competitive side next season and feels the gifted pivot could be the key ingredient.
Carney is expected to ink a one or two-year deal later this week.
"Gal has been very vocal in his support for Todd and desperately wants him at the club," one source told Sportal.
"He knows Todd has had some issues but Gal firmly believes a move to Cronulla could work out well for both parties."
"We all know what Todd is capable of bringing to a team on the field and Gal is excited about the prospect of playing with him."
"It's not every day one of the best players in the NRL is made available to you."
Despite Carney's problems with alcohol, it's understood his Cronulla contract will not be heavily weighted with strict behavioural clauses.
The Sharks will put their trust in Carney to do the right thing.
"Cronulla aren't as concerned with Todd's past as a lot of other clubs," the source said.
"That's not to say they won't be vigilant but they will be realistic in what they expect from him."
"They are confident he will do the right thing by them and don't feel they need to put a whole heap of clauses in his deal."
The NRL, keen to avoid further negative publicity surrounding Carney, will need to approve any deal struck before registering the fallen superstar.