North Queensland Cowboys set to get approval to sign former Dally M winner Todd Carney

TODD Carney is on the verge of resurrecting his career, with the NRL set to green-light the controversial Dally M champion’s return for the North Queensland Cowboys.

Todd Carney in Cowboys colours. (Shae Beplate)

TODD Carney is on the verge of resurrecting his career, with the NRL set to green-light the controversial Dally M champion’s return for the North Queensland Cowboys.

The Courier-Mail can reveal NRL boss Todd Greenberg will meet with Cowboys hierarchy in Townsville next week before making a final decision on whether to register Carney.

Carney was running alongside Johnathan Thurston and Michael Morgan in Cowboys colours at 1300SMILES Stadium on Wednesday after joining the club for his second training session.

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Todd Carney in Cowboys colours. (Shae Beplate)

The Cowboys notified the NRL of their intentions to invite Carney, a Northern Pride contracted player, to train with the club as he awaits registration and the league approved.

Carney, 31, has held multiple meetings with the NRL integrity unit after signing a contract with the Cowboys for the remainder of 2018.

The NRL is yet to register Carney’s contract, however the signs are positive that he will be welcomed back into the game, albeit with strict behavioural conditions.

The NRL have learned from the Matt Lodge situation. (Peter Wallis)

After being heavily criticised for allowing Broncos prop Matt Lodge to return following his New York rampage, the NRL is carefully managing the Carney situation and seeking assurances from the Cowboys about how the club would handle his potential return.

Greenberg admitted the NRL and Broncos bungled Lodge’s return and is determined to be more transparent when it comes to controversial issues.

Cowboys five-eighth Morgan said Carney had been a welcome addition at training and could add to North Queensland’s squad.

Carney will have to make the most of this chance. (Shae Beplate)

“He would fit in really well if he’s given the chance,” Morgan said. “He’s had the two days with us and been good.

“He has been around the game a long time. He is smart and someone who could teach a few of us a few different things, having been in different systems.

“He could have a big role for us on the field. At the moment he can be really helpful for the guys around him to learn off.”

Carney, the 2010 Dally M medallist, was banished from the NRL in 2014 after being photographed urinating in his mouth.

His last indiscretion followed a number of alcohol-related incidents which saw him sacked by the Raiders and Roosters before Cronulla sent him packing for the “bubbler” photo.

The Cowboys could use some fresh blood though. (Shae Beplate)

Carney has provided the NRL with paperwork relating to alcohol-related courses and rehabilitation programs he believes have prepared him for a return.

Greenberg and chief operating officer Nick Weeks have a routine trip to Townsville next week which they will also use to finalise the Carney situation.

The Cowboys are hopeful of having Carney on board before the State of Origin series when they will lose Morgan.

Coach Paul Green used Carney to mimic Bulldogs halfback Kieran Foran before Saturday’s game at 1300SMILES Stadium.

“He’s been training in the spine,” forward Coen Hess said.

“We did an opposed session where the team that aren’t playing mimic what the opposition do. He was out there running at halfback.

“He is a pretty good bloke. He has settled in nicely.

“Everyone has welcomed him with open arms. It’s good to see him running around.”

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