Expert
Controversial former NRL player Todd Carney has signed to play with the North Sydney Bears in the Intrust Super Premiership.
The signing looks set to drive a wedge between the Bears and their NRL partner, the South Sydney Rabbitohs, who strongly advised against the decision.
The Rabbitohs have made it clear that there won’t be any path available for Carney from the Bears to their senior side, and look set to end an 11-year relationship with the feeder club.
The Sydney Roosters may look to create a partnership with the Bears instead.
Carney appears to have at least temporarily shelved his hopes of finding his way back into the NRL after leaving a potential opportunity with North Queensland to return closer to home.
The decision was made to enable him to spend more time with his mother Leanne, who is battling breast cancer.
The 2011 Dally M medallist has played in 166 NRL games with the Canberra Raiders, Sydney Roosters and Cronulla Sharks, but hasn’t been sighted in the league since he was sacked by the Sharks in 2014.
It’s not clear whether or not the 31-year-old still intends to pursue another opportunity at NRL level.