Former Australian forward Greg Dowling says Todd Carney deserves another shot in the NRL after offering the troubled star a Queensland Cup pathway.
Carney has knocked back lucrative English Premier League offers and verbally agreed to join the Northern Pride, where Dowling is chief executive.
Plagued by alcohol-related scandals that saw him sacked by Canberra, Sydney Roosters and Cronulla, the former NSW five-eighth will arrive in Cairns in three weeks.
The 31-year-old reportedly knocked back a $1.2 million offer to join Tim Sheens’ Hull KR in favour of the Pride’s $100,000 package.
Carney was let go by Cronulla following the infamous “bubbler” photo of him urinating in 2014 and has spent the past three years in the Super League.
Dowling believes Carney is still capable and worthy of playing in the NRL.
“Everyone deserves a chance to redeem themselves and he’s served his penance and I’ve always said he’s only ever damaged himself, never hurt anyone else,” Dowling told AAP.
“I’d be lying if there wasn’t any negative feedback about signing him but I’m convinced he’s on the straight and narrow and that he can play in the NRL again.
“It’s between the ears and if the hunger is there he’ll get a contract and we’ll be happy to release him.”
Carney has a soft spot for Far North Queensland considering his 2010 Dally M win came a season after he revived his career with club side Atherton.
“He does want to play in the NRL but he also loves the area and will be playing with some of his old mates,” Dowling said.
“He’ll fill a void on the field but the club will also use him in development and coaching roles, which is something he’s interested in (in retirement).”
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