Carney comeback hopes look dashed

THE NRL is poised to sensationally block Todd Carney’s bid for a return to rugby league with the North Queensland Cowboys.

The Daily Telegraph has been told NRL management has “no great appetite” to re-register Carney, who hasn’t played topflight rugby league in Australia for four years.

North Queensland has plans to sign Carney on a one-year deal as a back-up to halves Johnathan Thurston and Michael Morgan.

Carney has signed this season with Queensland Cup side Northern Pride, a feeder club for the Cowboys.

Northern Pride chief executive Greg Dowling claimed North Queensland lodged an application with the NRL to reregister Carney on Monday.

NRL officials, however, stressed they hadn’t received any documentation.

The NRL’s integrity unit would make the final decision on Carney but well-placed sources have indicated the bid would, at this point, be rejected.

It would be another body blow for Carney.

It is understand the NRL wants Carney to undergo some form of counselling or professional education before being considered for re-registration.

Sources claim other troubled players allowed to return — Brisbane’s Matt Lodge, Sydney Roosters’ Blake Ferguson and Wests Tigers prop Russell Packer — sought professional advice and completed rehabilitation courses.

Lodge, a controversial figure, underwent education courses, counselling and rehabilitation, according to NRL officials. Packer has been studying a Master of Business degree.

The NRL will insist Carney undergo similar programs before being allowed back into the game.

“Todd needs to show more — he has to prove he has changed, not just say it,” a source said. “The NRL wouldn’t be inclined to register him unless they have more professional evidence he has changed or undertaken rehabilitation.”

An official spokesman for the NRL reiterated no contract had been lodged to register Carney.

“If a contract is lodged we will consider it on its merits,” the spokesman said.

“Any club seeking to register him would need to demonstrate what changes he has made to his life since he was previously in the NRL. We would need to be convinced that he is fit and proper to be part of the NRL. “

The Daily Telegraph spoke with Carney twice yesterday but he preferred not to comment.

North Queensland – and the Pride – still remain optimistic Carney will be registered. He would play with Northern Pride this season when overlooked for the Cowboys’ top 17.

“The NRL hasn’t approved the deal yet. It’s got to go before the integrity unit and the proper channels before they clear it,” Dowling said.