ST GEORGE Illawarra have put a red line through troubled Todd Carney and Jackson Hastings joining the Dragons.

The club was initially keen to negotiate with both playmakers as replacements for Benji Marshall next year but has made an abrupt about-face.

It is understood the Dragons were warned off signing 30-year-old Carney by the NRL, while they decided not to pursue 20-year-old Hastings due to concerns about whether his personality would fit into their squad.

Marshall’s hopes of playing next season look more doubtful. Melbourne appear to be the 31-year-old’s last hope of an NRL lifeline after talks with Storm coach Craig Bellamy.

Carney is also on the lookout for a new home after he parted ways in mysterious circumstances with French Super League club Catalans with two years to run on his contract.

Todd Carney is on the lookout for a new home. Picture: Brett Costello Source: The Daily Telegraph

It was initially indicated that Carney wanted to have one last crack at the NRL, while Catalans have indicated they want to focus future recruitment on “behaviour” on and off the field.

It is understood Dragons chief executive Peter Doust was told by the NRL that the club would struggle to have a contract with Carney registered.

NRL boss Todd Greenberg did not return calls on Sunday, while integrity unit chief Nick Weeks directed inquiries to the media department. But NRL communications head Peter Grimshaw did not return calls.

Hastings is also struggling to secure his future after he finished the year on the outer at the Sydney Roosters.

Jackson Hastings is struggling to secure his future. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia

St George Illawarra recruitment boss Ian Millward told The Daily Telegraph that his club would now concentrate on finding a halves partner for skipper Gareth Widdop from contenders in their system.

Local junior Drew Hutchinson is tipped to get first crack after leading the Illawarra ­Cutters to a grand final victory, while utility back Kurt Mann has also asked to be considered as a No.6.

Veteran Josh McCrone is the other option and he proved more than a capable partner for Widdop in his appearances with the Dragons this year.

The club also looks set to secure Canberra’s Paul Vaughan on a three-year deal believed to be worth $1.5 million.