Most NRL clubs are either simply not interested or have no room under the salary cap to accommodate Todd Carney but Penrith star Luke Lewis said he would welcome the sacked Roosters five-eighth to the Panthers next season 'with open arms'.
Carney is on the lookout for a new home for 2012 after he was released by the Tri-Colours last week following another off-field drama.
While the 2010 Dally M Medal winner has been linked with a move to play league or rugby union in France, he is desperate to find a new club and remain in the NRL.
And Lewis would have no reservations if Carney was to end up at the Panthers and has urged club supremo Phil Gould get on the case.
"He's obviously had a few dramas off the field but he's a champion player," Lewis said of the wayward star.
"I know the bloke and he's a great fella off the field and he's a champion player on the field."
"He's still got so much more to give to the NRL ... I think it would be a waste of talent if he goes."
"I would love to see him in the (Panthers) black ... you never know what could happen."
"Hopefully Gus (Penrith General Manager Phil Gould) gets into his hear, gets him out to Penny and gets the Penrith boys rolling for the 2012 season."
After a season of upheaval and indifferent results at the foot of the mountains, Lewis is excited about what lies ahead under incoming coach Ivan Cleary.
"It wasn't a crash hot year ... we finished off pretty badly but everything's been fixed up out there now I suppose," he said.
"A lot of people have moved on."
"We've got a young group next year, some new guys coming in, a new coach, new training, new gym equipment, everything."
"It's all looking up for us."
While Lewis wants Carney as a part of the Panthers revolution, Cronulla are another club that have been heavily linked with the troubled playmaker.
While the Sharks could certainly do with a fit and firing Carney, they already have plenty of options in the halves.
Youngsters Chad Townsend, Albert Kelly and Wade Graham all showed exciting development this season while Parramatta's Jeff Robson is also on his way to the club in 2012.
"I wouldn't mind having him, but it's not my decision, it's got nothing to do with me," Sharks skipper Paul Gallen said when asked about Carney.
"I don't even know what Toddy wants to do. He might not even want to play with us."
"We've got some good players there, and they're all young too. They've had a year of experience now, so hopefully they can step it up next year."