Carney not able to run out for Bears yet
TODD Carney is unlikely to be a North Sydney Bear this weekend with the Northern Pride yet to release the former Dally M medallist.
The 31- year- old was granted compassionate leave from a three- year deal with the Queensland Cup club earlier this month.
The Bears trumpeted Carney’s signing after lodging a contract with the NSWRL on Monday and expected him to play in their televised Intrust Super Premiership game against Wentworthville to- morrow. The Pride have requested a $ 15,000 fee – to recover relocation costs and to recruit a replacement player – before they release Carney, a figure still under negotiation.
His decision to link with South Sydney’s feeder team has been met with fierce criticism from the Rabbitohs, who reportedly threatened to cut ties with the foundation club.
It is believed North Sydney are in talks to partner with the Roosters, who are without their own reserve grade club in 2019. Roosters coach Trent Robinson said yesterday he was happy for Todd Carney to resume his career at the Bears, but was cagey on whether he would consider throwing the former Blues half an NRL lifeline.
“He’s a good man and on his own path. It was good to hear that they were going to give him an opportunity but obviously that’s got nothing to do with us,” Robinson said.
Robinson also said the club were yet to decide who would be their feeder club next season.
“Obviously Wyong won’t be continuing in the ( Intrust Super Premiership) next year, so we’re looking at our options over the next few years,” he said. “There’s a few options.”