Carney wins Pride fight with Sandow
TODD Carney won a direct shootout with fellow controversial former NRL figure Chris Sandow for a return to the Queensland Cup.
The Bulletin can reveal the remarkable subplot behind one-time Kangaroos fiveeighth Carney’s three-year deal with Cairns-based Northern Pride.
Plagued by alcohol-related scandals that led to his sackings from the Raiders, Roosters and Sharks, Carney knocked back English Super League offers to head to the second-tier club.
As part of the 31-year-old’s deal, Carney will take the early steps in a coaching career and work closely with Pride boss Ty Williams.
It’s a scenario that remarkably could have landed in the lap of former Titan Sandow, himself lugged with a long list of controversies.
Ironically Carney and Sandow squared off against each other in a charity boxing match last year.
The pair again went headto-head as Pride officials searched for an experienced talent keen for a second chance, leading to a square-off between Carney and Sandow.
It’s understood Williams was particularly keen to revive the career of 28-year-old Sandow, who has been in limbo since being released by QCup rival Norths at the end of last season.
The former Rabbitohs and Eels halfback had initially been sounded out for a move north by Cairns District Rugby League club Mossman/Port Douglas in June courtesy of his close links to players there.
Sandow has been a regular at indigenous All Blacks carnivals in the region.
He was understood to be keen to break away from the trouble that has plagued him around his hometown of Cherbourg, the site of his infamous street brawl this year.
Carney, though, ultimately won the deal with the Pride, prompting NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg to yesterday cautiously welcome him back into Australian rugby league.
Former Kangaroos forward and Pride chief executive Greg Dowling backed Carney to return to the NRL.
“Everyone deserves a chance to redeem themselves and he’s served his penance and I’ve always said he’s only ever damaged himself, never hurt anyone else,” he said.
“I’d be lying if there wasn’t any negative feedback about signing him.
“But I’m convinced he’s on the straight and narrow and that he can play in the NRL again.”