Carney not over line

THE Cowboys face a battle to sign Todd Carney, with the NRL integrity unit to investigate whether the rugby league bad boy is ready to return to the big league.

North Queensland coach Paul Green yesterday confirmed the club was exploring the possibility of signing Carney but made it clear the Cowboys had yet to table a formal contract.

It’s understood the Cow- boys are likely to offer a oneyear contract, with Carney’s coach at feeder-club Northern Pride, Ty Williams, confident the playmaker will receive an NRL lifeline.

But even if Green formalises plans to snare Carney, 31, the Cowboys will face one final hurdle in the form of the NRL integrity unit, which is mindful of his string of previous offences.

Carney has been sacked by three NRL clubs – the Raiders, Roosters and Sharks – and an NRL spokesman said last night there was no guarantee they would rubberstamp any deal.

“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.

Former Cowboys winger Williams has backed Carney to gain a new deal.

“I wouldn’t stand in his way,” he said.