Carney still on hold at Pride

COWBOYS and Northern Pride officials will meet to discuss Todd Carney’s future tomorrow as frustration grows around the NRL’s handling of his ongoing contract saga.

The former Dally M medallist has travelled to meet with NRL officials in Sydney on multiple occasions since signing with the Pride, with coach Ty Williams giving Carney (pictured) a training program to follow in his absence.

It’s understood the former Sydney Roosters star’s management expected the NRL to issue a verdict late last month, only for the decision to be deferred.

Northern Pride CEO Greg Dowling and Carney met for an hour-long heart-to-heart yesterday to discuss events since the Cowboys lodged a contract for the five-eighth more than a month ago. While the legendary former Maroons prop expected it would still be “a couple of weeks” before the NRL make a decision on Carney, he added the talented playmaker was upbeat despite the ongoing rumours about his future.

“We knew it was going to be this way because of the flak the NRL has copped for (Broncos’ signing) Matt Lodge,” Dowling said. “They will make him jump through hoops. I think they will give him the tick of approval but it’s probably a couple of weeks away.

“The contract they (the Cowboys) have submitted is a basic contract. Todd’s manager has indicated that the NRL may come back with a few stipulations but we’ll work through that if that’s the case.

“Todd hasn’t given up hope. It’s mentally draining on him but he’s on a level track.

“I’ve told him not to listen too much to what’s being said around him.”

Pride chairman Tony Williamson, who wrote to NRL top boss Todd Greenberg on Carney’s behalf last month, said the club was eager to see Carney granted permission to train with the Cowboys before he is registered with the club.

“For Todd’s sake we’d like some closure on this,” he said.

“We don’t want to jeopardise the process and have been respectful of proceedings but this has started to drag on a bit.

“We’ve supported Todd 100 per cent and his endeavours to play in the NRL.

“Everything he’s done at the Pride has been above and beyond what we could expect of a Pride employee.

“I think Todd needs some clarity. He needs to train with an NRL team to get his fitness to that elite level before he can even be considered for selection at the top level.”

Dowling said he’d enjoyed the opportunity to mentor Carney since he joined the Pride in October.