Geoff Toovey played with his fair share of villains, rogues and so-called troublemakers.

Think Solomon Haumono, Terry Hill, Craig Field and the daddy of all bad boys, John Hopoate.

Some worked out, some didn't but Toovey is a believer in not giving up on those written off as lost causes.

So while Todd Carney may be in the rival corner for Friday night's Cronulla-Manly NRL trial, Manly coach Toovey is happy to see the tattooed playmaker back playing rugby league after going off the rails - again - at the Roosters.

"I'm glad he's returned. I think he's a great player and the game would be a lot poorer if he wasn't playing," Toovey told Sportal on Thursday.

"He's been given a couple of chances and I'm not about to judge him on what he's supposed to have done, but he seems to be genuine in his efforts to make a go of it."

"Good luck to him. He's a quality player and we look forward to watching him play."

The Sharks attracted criticism for throwing Carney a lifeline and have acknowledged the risk.

But Toovey believes the move is a win-win for both parties.

"If he gets it right, I think he and Cronulla will do well this year," the Sea Eagles boss said.

"He's a quality player and was the best in the game just two years ago."

"We obviously don't want him to go too well against us but I wish him the best for the year."

Manly are no strangers to off-field drama and are coming off the most tumultuous off-season in their history.

But Toovey declared the premiers have put the problems behind them and are totally focused on defending their title - and winning a second World Club Challenge when they meet Leeds at Headingley on February 17.

"The trip to England is a reward for the players for what they did last year and a little reminder of what they achieved," he said.

"Of course we are going there to win but we're also mindful the players didn't really get to celebrate last year's grand final win."

The majority of Manly's WCC squad will get a run of between 20 and 40 minutes against Cronulla.

Toovey said: "It's a chance to blow the cobwebs out. We're not thinking about England at this stage."

"It's about getting a bit of match practice and giving blokes a run and getting the timing right and a feel for the game again."

"It's been a long off-season and this is a chance to see if you've done enough or haven't done enough and whether you need to improve in certain areas."