Cronulla and Penrith are potential destinations for Todd Carney next season if the troubled playmaker can overturn his NRL deregistration.

Carney, sacked during the week by Canberra, is not giving up hope of playing in the NRL in 2009 despite an Australia-wide playing ban.

Carney's manager David Riolo is considering legal options, saying his client shouldn't be forced overseas if an NRL club signs him next year.

Sharks CEO Tony Zappia said the club would consider Carney when he was next available to play in the NRL.

"We'd always be interested in a player of his ability," Zappia said.

"Our understanding is he isn't available to any club in the NRL in '09 so we'll wait and see what is sorted.

"It obviously depends on how he deals with the issues he needs to deal with."

Panthers coach Matthew Elliott, a mentor to Carney at Canberra, said he would be interested in signing him up when he was next available.

"If I was saying 'no', I'd be being dishonest," Elliott said.

"It's not something we're in a position to entertain now. That one is best left alone for a while.

"It's a bit of time for reflection for the kid. There's no doubt he's a good kid. I don't think he is, I know he is.

"He's made some decisions that have put him and the club under pressure. It's sad he won't be playing in our comp for a year."

The Bulldogs and Eels both confirmed they weren't interested in signing Carney.

The Raiders had hinted they may try to lure Michael Monaghan back to Canberra, although the hooker's manager, Jim Banaghan, said he would honour his Warrington deal.

Carney can play in the English Super League next year despite his NRL deregistration. Rugby League International Federation chairman Colin Love said there were no plans to ban him in both competitions.

"We won't be seeking any assistance from [Super League] to keep him out of the game if he wants to earn a living," Love said.