Bad boy Carney crowned king of the NRL
Columnist By Luke Doherty, 8 Sep 2010 Luke Doherty is a Roar Expert
- Tagged:
- Dally M Medal, NRL, Rugby League, Sydney Roosters, Todd Carney
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From pulling beers in Atherton to wearing the Dally M medal. You have to love the redemptive power of rugby league. Carney had lost it all in 2008. Gone was the big-money contract, the fame and adoration. Instead, it was replaced by ridicule on the streets and a country home he knew nothing about that also brought him face to face with the golden ale that caused his downfall.
Sometimes it takes hitting rock-bottom to realise what you’ve lost, and in Carney’s case that has never been more true.
It seemed incomprehensible that when he was running riot in Canberra and subsequently sacked that the play-maker would end up a reformed Rooster.
There was never any doubt that Carney had the talent to be crowned the best player in the game. Of more doubt, was whether he could put several demons with big teeth to one side, and concentrate on football.
When his one-vote win over Wests Tigers hooker Robbie Farah was confirmed he shared a hug with his coach Brian Smith.
Smith told Carney at the start of the season that if he wasn’t going to get with the program then he may as well not bother playing for the club this year. In the past that may have provoked a childish response, but Carney took it on the chin and even let Smith move him to fullback.
The Roosters have to be commended for taking a chance on Carney. Sponsorship dollars and corporate support go on the line when a notorious bad-boy joins a club. Carney has repaid their faith quicker than they would ever have imagined and the money flowing back into their Moore Park headquarters because of him, is the reward.
It was a big night for Carney. He also took out the Provan-Summons medal and the five-eighth of the year award.
Not bad for a man, who by his own admission, never thought he’d be standing on the stage last night, let alone be allowed to play in the NRL again.
What more could he ask for really? Perhaps a premiership.
The top five in the voting also makes for interesting reading.
Dally M Top 5
Todd Carney – 27 votes
Robbie Farah – 26 votes
Darius Boyd – 25 votes
Benji Marshall – 21 votes
Paul Gallen – 19 votes
Robbie Farah came oh so close, once again. He was perhaps unlucky not to feature more for NSW during their doomed State of Origin campaign. Paul Gallen should also be congratulated after scoring 19-votes in a Sharks side that was, at times, absolutely woeful.
The team of the year was filled with players from nine different clubs.
The 2010 Dally M Team of the Year:
Fullback: Darius Boyd (St George Illawarra Dragons)
Winger: Akuila Uate (Newcastle Knights)
Centre: Jamie Lyon (Manly Sea Eagles)
Five-eighth: Todd Carney (Sydney Roosters)
Halfback: Scott Prince (Gold Coast Titans)
Lock: Luke Lewis (Penrith Panthers)
Second Row: Sam Thaiday (Brisbane Broncos)
Prop: David Shillington (Canberra Raiders)
Hooker: Robbie Farah (Wests Tigers)
Captain: Braith Anasta (Sydney Roosters)
Coach: Brian Smith (Sydney Roosters)
It’s hard to argue with this line-up. Strangely, of the 10 positions available, six went to players eligible for selection for New South Wales in State of Origin.
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- Dally M Medal, NRL, Rugby League, Sydney Roosters, Todd Carney
September 8th 2010 @ 4:25pm
Jeff said | September 8th 2010 @ 4:25pm | Report comment
Once again I ask, what does that little Soward guy from The Drags have to do to win something, He has been the most consistent player for two years, been responsible for possibly 1/3rd of the Drags tries, Been wonderful with the boot, both goal kicking and downfield kicks!, Got overlooked for SOO, then gets overlooked in Dally M, Dally M number 6 winner has played 6-7 games in that position this year, YEAH, definitely a ‘feel good story’
Oh I forgot to mention, in all his achievements these last two years Jamie Soward has kept ‘SQUEAKY CLEAN’!!! — Good luck and well done to Carney, he has had a great season, but, he is not the best player in NRL!!!!.
September 8th 2010 @ 4:34pm
Springs said | September 8th 2010 @ 4:34pm | Report comment
For some reason Boyd gets all the Dragons points, somehow. Even though he never scores tries and the only play he does is the cut-out pass to Morris.
September 8th 2010 @ 5:03pm
Willy said | September 8th 2010 @ 5:03pm | Report comment
It’s always so hard to wake up the judges after watching Saints play.
I’m getting a little drowsy just thinking about them…
September 9th 2010 @ 11:58am
jameswm said | September 9th 2010 @ 11:58am | Report comment
Jeff
That’s exactly why I think Soward should be half back in the Origin team with Carney at 5/8. Soward can play half and has proven he is a consistent match-winner.
September 8th 2010 @ 5:22pm
Luke Doherty said | September 8th 2010 @ 5:22pm | Report comment
Huge fan of Soward since I spotted him playing Flegg for the Roosters one afternoon at the SFS. Roosters never really gave him a go – and now very lucky to have ended up with Carney. They also had a couple of other pint-sized playmakers in Sam Obst and Josh Lewis. Wonder what they’re doing now?
September 8th 2010 @ 5:32pm
Jeff said | September 8th 2010 @ 5:32pm | Report comment
Hey Luke. glad I’m not the only one who recognises Soward’s input to the Drags.
Think Sam Obst is playing in English league , maybe Hull (Not sure).
September 8th 2010 @ 6:38pm
Luke Doherty said | September 8th 2010 @ 6:38pm | Report comment
He was a good little player. Jamie could get a look-in at origin level next year depending on who is the coach. The only problem may be is that three of the candidates are former roosters coaches. Not sure what they think of him now, but we’ll find out next year. The selectors would also be brave to tip against Pearce and Carney, but you never know.
September 8th 2010 @ 7:11pm
Jeff said | September 8th 2010 @ 7:11pm | Report comment
When I witness, Todd creating wins for his team week in/week out like Soward has done, then I will say I am wrong, until then I believe he (Soward) is a much better all round choice for #6 jersey.
Oh and by the way, I dislike Sowards actions completely, he makes me squirm when he takes kicks for goal. Just think he has done much more than some of his more fancied peers without recognition. Tthis years Dally M is a stand out example..
Nuff said!!
September 8th 2010 @ 7:47pm
P.Tah said | September 8th 2010 @ 7:47pm | Report comment
I really hate his kick prep. I’m not sure if he has trodden on somehting and it trying to kick it off his shoe or if he is auditioning for riverdance.
September 8th 2010 @ 8:17pm
mona said | September 8th 2010 @ 8:17pm | Report comment
agreed.
it sends me into a fury as well. like a ‘i want to throw this can at your face right now consequences be damned’ kind of mad.
ALSO – I’m glad that Matt Gillett got rookie of the year, not only is he very nice to look at, has a ridiculous running technique but he totally deserved it. Yay Matt!
September 8th 2010 @ 8:57pm
Luke Doherty said | September 8th 2010 @ 8:57pm | Report comment
Strange action. Very much agree. As long as he keeps kicking them though I don’t think Dragons fans will mind too much.
September 9th 2010 @ 6:28am
Josh said | September 9th 2010 @ 6:28am | Report comment
Obviously all you people who believe Carney only won it because it is a good story don’t actually watch the game. In all the roosters wins this year Carney has been outstanding and has played with flair and style.
He is the one along with Farah who can turn around the blues origin woes. Hopefully Uate can be picked too and then we can really add some flair to the side. The last years we have been picking defensive sides trying to contain QLD, they are that good they are always going to score points so lets outscore them.Lets pick an attacking side. Mine would be:
1- Hayne
2- Gordon
3- Jennings
4- Lawrance
5- Uate
6- Carney
7- Pearce
8- Weyman
9- Farah
10- Learyod Larhs
11- Gallen
12- Bird
13- Lewis
14- White
15- King
16- Heighninton
17- Gidley
That side has points in them!!
September 9th 2010 @ 4:46pm
jameswm said | September 9th 2010 @ 4:46pm | Report comment
Josh – I like that team except:
- I rate Idriss, although I seem to be the only one. I’d have him in there ahead of Lawrance. He’ll be a monster who is hard to contain, and for many years. He’s got rare abilities
- I’d have Soward ahead of Pearce. Soward will win you more Origin games an can control the game too. Pearce hasn’t impressed in the games he’s played
- you have to have Watmough in there
- Surely Morris has to be on one wing?