Friday night’s 38-6 thrashing of Manly in an NRL trial match delighted Shane Flanagan, but the Cronulla coach admits he is no closer to settling on Todd Carney’s halves partner for 2012.

As he often is, Carney was the story in the seven tries to one thumping of the defending premiers but three of the four players duelling to wear No.6 next to Carney also impressed Flanagan.

In the first half, with the likely round-one starters sitting on the sideline, Jeff Robson and Chad Townsend combined to give Cronulla a 16-6 lead – with Townsend laying on two tries while controlling the game with a confident kicking game.

After the break Wade Graham, the favourite to line up at five-eighth against Wests Tigers in round one, played a composed role which allowed Carney to make his mark on the game.

Carney finished the match with two spectacular tries, but more importantly he looked settled in his new role, igniting the no-frills Sharks backline during his 33-minute stint on the field.

Flanagan admits he is still undecided on who will get the first chance to start in the halves this season.

Flanagan suggested Graham deserves to have the edge at this stage, but says all three hopefuls will get time alongside Carney in the club’s next trial against Newcastle in a fortnight.

“Then I’ve just got to come up with the best combination,” Flanagan told reporters.

“I wouldn’t say (it’s cut and dried), not at all.

“Chad’s had a great pre-season, he’s been outstanding in his pre-season compared to what he was last year (as a) young kid in the under 20s.

“Wade probably deserves the first shot, he played 24 games for us last year and was a real rock for us.

“He’ll get the first shot I’d say.”

Despite Carney’s super-impressive showing against the Sea Eagles, Flanagan said he was expecting the team to take big strides in the early rounds as the players get used to Carney’s style.

“It would be nice to play three or four trials because we’d be better off come round one with Todd,” he said.

“I think we’ll be a better team the more we play with Todd and the more Isaac de Gois plays with him and the more Nathan Gardner plays with him.”

Albert Kelly, who starred in the early rounds of 2011 in the halves before leg injuries derailed his season, is battling to be fit for round one and is considered a long shot to partner Carney in the early part of the season.

“Albert is a bit busted for us at the moment so he didn’t play for us (against Manly),” Flanagan said.

“He’s a little bit behind, but he’ll be a chance for first round. He’s probably missed the boat.”