Todd Carney has declared he wants to make a return to the NRL, insisting the game’s bosses would see he’s a changed man if given the chance.
Carney has returned to play for the Northern Pride in the Queensland Cup this season, knocking back a million-dollar deal to stay in the English Super League with Hull KR.
The shift has put him one step closer to an NRL comeback, after the former NSW five-eighth left the league after being sacked by Cronulla and deregistered in 2014 for the infamous “bubbler” incident.
“That’s one of the big reasons why I want to come back and play. Not to be remembered for the so-called bubbler,” Carney told Channel Nine.
“I appreciate what I lost and what I had. To get that back would be a dream come true again,”
“For them (NRL bosses) to sit there in front of me and (let me) explain what’s happened in the past four years and where I’m at, I’m pretty sure they would see it’s a different Todd.”
Carney’s rap sheet includes repeated drink driving offences, including one instance where he was handed a suspended jail sentence for leading police on a chase before fleeing.
For a comeback to be considered, a club would have to apply to the NRL to register his contract – something chief executive Todd Greenberg claims is yet to have happened.
Regardless, Carney – now aged 31 – believes he can still match it in the NRL.
“I’m not going to blame it on being young, I was stupid,” he said.
“I think I’ve become a better player, a smarter player. I definitely still believe I can handle the NRL.
Mushi
Guest
Let's be clear Carney has done a lot more than the bubbler. Also remember he's also trotted out the changed man to what three judges for suspended jail sentences. I'm all for giving someone a second or third chance after they've accepted the punishment but what chance are we up to for Carney, 15th? I think also that the NRL has said they'd let him sign... But no one wants him because he's lied to three clubs about "being a new man" three times and he's now the other side of 30 so the potential pay off isn't there.
Malo
Guest
He will be great for the cowboys
steve b
Roar Guru
Carney does a schoolboy stunt Lodge commits assault threatens life .Terrorizes a mum and 9 yr child and is allowed back go figure.Sack Greenburg .
Chop
Roar Guru
Imagine how good he'd be in Melbourne under Bellamy, His talent has never been an issue, he'd be close to Cooper Cronk if he pulled his head in....
MAX
Guest
Agreed Nat, Any where but a Sydney Club. Broncos would be out. Lodge and Carney may be too big a challenge even for Wayne. Surprised to hear the Cowboys are about to sign him. The Cronulla settlement must have been substantial for him to knock back a Million $ from Hull KR. In effect Cronulla would be subsidising any return to the NRL?
Nat
Roar Guru
The best thing that can happen for him is not go back to a Sydney club. He has a social character and if he ever steps outside everyone with a mobile will snap him then let the speculation begin. However, he made this rod for his own back so he has to expect the mountain to be made from every molehill. Prior to all though, he has to dominate the Q Cup and prove he can match it in the NRL. BTW, correct me if I'm wrong but wasn't his contract not renewed or a fall out with management that bought back?
up in the north
Roar Rookie
Interesting that he has linked with the Northern Pride, somehow I just can't see Peter Parr allowing him anywhere near the first grade squad. They've got a very strong culture of personal and public accountability and poor old Toddy has proven by his form that he wouldn't fit in.
Roy
Guest
Sea Eagles have to be thinking hard about him, surely.
Nambawan
Guest
If he comes to Manly I resign!
Oto shark
Guest
Sharks fan ,but I would love to see him playing again. I heard his in talks with the cowboys, but I reckon he had a good chance to start with Manly though.