There have been rumblings for a few months about a possible return to the NRL for career bad boy Todd Carney.
After a (so far) successful stint in France, clubs seem to have already had their memories wiped, as he has this year been linked to the likes of Gold Coast, the Eagles and even the Sharks.
Despite all he’s been through in his career, Carney still seems to have some supporters out there. And that’s fine. Each to their own, everyone is entitled to their own stupid opinion and such.
But this matter far exceeds opinion. Todd Carney must not be allowed to play in the NRL again. And there are more than a few reasons why.
NRL has more to lose than to gain
Right now, the NRL is at a fairly fragile time in its existence. While we are a safe distance from another league-wide war, faith in the NRL from fans, pundits, the public and even the clubs is not exactly peaking at the moment.
So, what better way to remedy this than to bring back one of the most controversial players in recent history?
Perhaps the most troubling factor about this point is that lately, fans seem unconvinced that they should fork out their hard-earned to see their teams play, preferring to watch at home on TV.
While allowing Todd Carney back may appease a certain section of the NRL’s fans, a very significant slice of the revenue pie will be far from pleased – the families.
Everyone knows families are where the money’s at when it comes to ticket sales, and mum and dad will be hardly happy to see the less than model citizen Todd Carney running around each week.
While we are not expecting the players to be anything more than an imperfect human, Carney is a horrible example for young kids who have just started watching the game.
Dangerous precedents set
Usually when the bad boys of Australian sport, let alone the NRL, are pointed to, most fingers point firmly at Carney.
The NRL has long been in a battle with the public as well as itself in regards to how to correctly deal with misadventure and law breaking. Sometimes it has won these battles, sometimes it hasn’t.
But it would be a massive loss if Carney was, for a third time, allowed back to the NRL with a new club. Such a move would set the NRL years back, not only in the credibility war but also in terms of precedent.
League consistency, and how one player can be treated differently by the league, both on and off the field, has long been a sticking point with fans.
The NRL would also be at a danger of creating a mentality among players that if you’re good enough, you can get away with it. This would cause a nightmare across all fronts.
Disillusioned players
If letting Carney back into the NRL would prove wildly unpopular with fans, imagine how it would go down with players.
While the club that signs him would be gaining a fantastic footy player, think of the player whose spot he takes.
A player who obeys the law, follows league and team rules, discarded for a three-time loser, let back into the game only because he’s pretty good at what he does.
The same applies to State of Origin, if Carney was good enough to make it back to that level. It would provide another shocking example of the NRL youth.
Despite the fact that so many clubs run personal development programs, designed to build the character of the young boys transitioning into men, many of these clubs would be failing to practice what they preach by attempting to sign Carney.
It would show, if nothing else, that professional sport is a privilege for some, and a right for others.
The league lives on
Perhaps even most simply, the league lives on without guys like Todd Carney in it. Just this week, young superstar half Jayden Nikorima signed a lucrative $600,000 contract with the Sydney Roosters.
With such fantastic young talent coming through our systems as it is, why waste time on guys like Todd Carney, someone hardly worthy of public appraisal.
No matter how many Dally M medals the guy’s won, sometimes it’s time to just move on. The league can do better.
swamp hoon
Guest
pretty funny you feeling sorry for the innocent player who loses their position to carney. maybe he'll fill greg bird's shoes at the titans or ben barba's at the sharks or maybe the roosters might want him after they let SKD go. if you want to act like a journo why dnt you spill the beans on how many current nrl players have been violent towards women. carney's name isnt on that list is it?
Kathryn
Guest
Dogs aren't there to be kicked. Why don't you exchange addresses, and let him give you a kicking!
Jane
Guest
I completely agree with Arnold and Nial. The NRL consistantly selects players that have been convicted of hurting women, bashed and glassed them , they repeatedly appear at the top levels of the game . Todd has done nothing illegal or violent.
Karl's
Guest
Agreed. Keep him out.
pete bloor
Guest
Patches o'hoolihan does. Because it's sterile and he likes the taste
Jamie Radford
Roar Pro
I disagree with the article completely. Carney is no worse or better that a number of league players, and to me it just seems you personally don't like him. Which is fine, but unlike you I'm not going to insult you because I disagree. 'Each to their own, everyone is entitled to their own stupid opinion and such', is condescending to say the least.
Phil
Guest
I'm a parent, but I can't seriously imagine any families sitting around at home saying "Let's not go to the footy today because Todd Carney's playing; he's not a good role model for my children." Weighing up whether to take kids to the footy or not, I'd be more interested in how is the crowd going to behave - are there going to be drunken jerks yelling abuse right next to me? What food is available, and how much does it cost? Am I even allowed to bring my own food in? If the kids are young, are there parents' rooms with toilets for kids within easy access? How much do the tickets cost, and what do I gain from being there that I wouldn't get from watching for free on telly? On-field, are the players respectful to the fans and the officials? Do they behave with sportsmanship or carry on like spoilt brats when they don't get their own way? With all those questions going round in your head, I don't see where there's room to analyse all 34 players on the fields and their respective off-field records to make sure they're suitable role models for your child. If you're concerned your child is going to idolise someone with poor character, just say to them "he might be a very good football player, but he's not a very nice person and doesn't treat other people very well away from football" and suggest another player from their team they could look up to. Not that difficult really.
Greg stewart
Guest
Agree with all comments re todd carney ,there are plenty of other players worse than him and also who are the media to think they are judge and jury? ?
Con Scortis
Roar Guru
Rhys, is that you Phil Rothfield?
The Barry
Roar Guru
hahaha...the guy in that ad is one of my best mates...
The Barry
Roar Guru
hahaha....
The Barry
Roar Guru
Have Carney's actions been "hugely damaging"? Please quantify...
Ron
Guest
Todd, should be allowed to return to the NRL.. He's been persecuted enough.. Some NRL players have done worse then Todd. Give him a break.
Mals
Guest
Disagree with you EJ. I cannot stand Todd "I take no responsibility for my actions" Carney. I would not renew my Manly membership if he was signed by the club. The same way I would not renew if Robert Lui was signed by Manly. Carney has had chance, after chance, after chance from 3 NRL clubs but still whinges about being punted from Cronulla. Unbelievable!
no one in particular
Roar Guru
I was going to mention to Lui, but I forgot if it actually went to trial or if he was found guilty
Cadfael
Roar Guru
You could also say the same for Dugan and Ferguson. They both performed like yobbos and got what they wanted, a release. is there a difference between them and Carney?
Squidward
Roar Rookie
In fairness I'd rather have Wicks play than Kirosome or Robert Lui. At least wicks paid his price to society and did the time
Hanrahan
Guest
" I mean, who whizzes in their own …?" I thought we were supposed to be in favour of recycling
Niall
Guest
I'm not a Raiders fan but I've always had a soft spot for the green machine. I actually picked them to make the 8 this year when others were tipping them for the spoon. Honestly believe the Raiders will be in the top 8 next year. Whitehead could be a real gem. I'm a Bulldogs fan and plenty of players have done the dirty on us. When any club sacks a player for bad behaviour any club that picks them up during the duration of his previous contract should have to pay compensation, though I doubt that would stand up in court
Squidward
Roar Rookie
The squids finest art is that of vulgarity Poo wee poo