NRL: Inspirational fullback still learning ropes

Todd Carney. Photo / Getty Images

Sydney Roosters coach Brian Smith believes Todd Carney still has some way to go to become a top-class NRL fullback despite his outstanding display against Brisbane on Friday night.

Carney scored 17 points in the 25-6 victory at the Sydney Football Stadium, including two tries, but his coach wants the former Canberra playmaker to keep improving.

"He did some good things, but he has a long way to go in terms of developing his game," said Smith.

"He has got such great talent in terms of carrying the ball, he is learning a bit more about positional play, but there are a lot of things specific to fullback play that you don't encounter anywhere else.

"It is a big ask getting him to play there."

Carney played his whole career at Canberra in the halves, but Smith's decision to move him to fullback appears to have paid off.

The Roosters have won three of their first four games, just two less than their total for the 2009 season.

Smith was also full of praise for another former Canberra recruit Phil Graham, who showed glimpses of a prosperous partnership with Anthony Minichiello on the left-hand side of the Roosters' attack.

"I thought his defence was absolutely outstanding. He has been very good for us."

Graham was one of three Roosters players nursing injuries after limping off with an ankle injury.

He was joined in the medical room by Daniel Conn, who left the field with a back injury, not long after he had to fend off the attentions of a female fan who jumped over the fence and sat on his lap when he was on the interchange bench.

Meanwhile, Brisbane skipper Darren Lockyer is tightlipped about his representative future following the loss to the Roosters, but hinted the injury-hit Broncos' poor form may be a factor in his decision.

Lockyer will announce on Tuesday if he will continue as Queensland and Australia captain, but after a third successive defeat, the 33-year-old admitted it will be a tough decision.

"I've been thinking about it but I am not too sure yet what I am going to do," said Lockyer.

"We are in a bit of a tough spot. We are a young team, we have a few bodies on the sidelines and we have a game in Wollongong against the Dragons next week, but the important thing is we hold the place together until we get some reinforcements."

Roosters and Queensland forward Nate Myles said he hoped Lockyer would stay on with the Maroons, who are looking for a record-breaking fifth successive State of Origin series this year.

"I hope to see him there as things run a lot smoother when he is around."

- AAP