Carney finds supporter

TODD Carney has found an ally in Wayne Bennett, with the Broncos coach backing his bid to return to the NRL.

Carney yesterday conceded he was not physically ready for an NRL return and was yet to officially secure a deal to resurrect his career with the North Queensland Cowboys.

But he says he can still be a force and has set his sights on returning this season.

Carney, 31, must prove to the NRL he is worthy of a fourth chance after being sacked by the Raiders, Roosters and Sharks for off-field indiscretions. Bennett said Carney deserved another go if he had reformed.

“If the game thinks Todd’s ready to come back, then I’m happy for Todd to come back,” he said. “These aren’t life sentences.”