Carney’s NRL career looks over for good
The NRL career of Todd Carney would appear to be over, after the league’s chief operating officer, Jim Doyle, handed the player what would seem to be a life ban from the competition.
Although Doyle has said that he would “never say never” about the chances of Carney perhaps one day playing in the sport’s top tier, it would appear to all intents and purposes that no NRL club would ever sign the player again.
“Firstly a club would need to determine they want him to be part of their team,” said Doyle, who was also “surprised” at the reaction to Carney’s sacking by his club, Cronulla Sharks, on the part of some NRL players.
“And I would be surprised if any club made that decision considering his past.
“Then he would need to convince the NRL that he is a fit and proper person to play our game – and we would naturally take into account his past when making that assessment.
“Given he has been terminated from three clubs it is most unlikely he would be cleared to rejoin a club in the NRL.”
“Any player that does what was portrayed in a picture late Saturday night and early Sunday morning needs to take the responsibility for themselves that it’s completely unacceptable.
“That picture would not be something that people who want to be part of our game would be proud to see. Therefore the players need to take notice that the responsibility is on themselves.”
Paul Gallen, skipper of Carney’s former club Cronulla and the NSW Blues, was more equivocal in his attitude, however.
“It’s a prank. I know what it is. Todd did it and (Mick Robinson, Carney’s friend) snapped a photo of him,” he said.
“It’s probably illegal to snap a picture of someone in a toilet. It was a silly thing to do. He’s let himself down and he knows that.
“To be sacked over that, I think is harsh but I’m not privileged to all the other information and other warnings he’s had.
“If that was the sole incident then that would be very harsh. But I don’t know what else has gone on.”
A close friend of Carney’s, Boyd Cordner, offered strong support to his former Sydney Roosters team-mate, and felt the NRL should re-consider their decision.
“I really do. I truly believe he should still be part of the NRL,” said Cordner, a NSW backrower.
“And I’m sure there will be a lot of clubs out there willing to sign him, the talent he is and the way he changes the game when he’s on the field.
“I will stick by Todd whatever he does. My personal opinion was that it (the decision) was a bit harsh for something so silly and stupid.
“He didn’t hurt anyone, he didn’t break any laws. I spoke to him when it happened and again today. He is obviously going through a tough time. He won’t let this beat him.”
Possible options for Carney include jumping codes to rugby union. A move to the UK might be difficult, due to likely problems obtaining a visa due to the player’s previous criminal convictions.
