‘You started attacking me’: Watch Phil ‘Buzz’ Rothfield and Todd Carney bury their decades-long feud

The former NRL bad boy and the veteran sportswriter, who was his harshest critic, had a chance meeting 20 minutes outside the Las Vegas strip. WATCH the pair settle their decades-long feud.

Todd Carney (right) and Phil ‘Buzz’ Rothfield at the Vegas 9's tournament. Picture: DTTV

A chance encounter 20 minutes outside the Las Vegas strip has settled a long-time feud between a former NRL bad boy and the veteran sports journalist who covered his controversial career.

Todd Carney and Phil “Buzz” Rothfield found themselves face-to-face at Silverbowl Park during the Vegas 9’s tournament, after Carney had just finished his second game with the Titans of Coal.

The pair have a long and colourful history. In 2011, The Daily Telegraph’s Sports Editor-at-Large accused Carney of having “no respect” and claimed he “needed to be taught a lesson” at the Sydney Roosters.

After Carney was sacked from Cronulla over a disturbing photo taken in the bathrooms at Northies, Buzz said he “will not be remembered for his football ability but as a player who brought the game into disrepute once too often.”

Almost a decade on from his NRL career, which produced a Dally M Medal but was plagued by off-field scandals, Carney has turned his life around. He married Susie Bradley on the Gold Coast earlier this year.

The 38-year-old works as a full-time coach at Keebra Park High School. He has also landed some commentary work with Triple M and has a Podcast with former NRL halfback Mitchell Pearce.

During a recent episode, Carney claimed he was once invited to a lunch in the Sutherland Shire, where Rothfield allegedly fell asleep at the table.

This is how the pair quashed their decades-long beef on the outskirts of Las Vegas:

BUZZ: “I can’t believe you’re the same bloke that I would occasionally interview. When did you start?”

CARNEY: “I started (NRL) in 2003. I think you started attacking me in 2008.”

Buzz: “You left yourself open.”

Carney: “I did. Ownership is the main part. You make realisations and obviously with me that starts with family and connections.”

Todd Carney as released from his Roosters contract in 2011.

‘Buzz’ broke the lewd Todd Carney picture story.

Buzz: “What made it click? That it was time?”

Carney: “When I had my beautiful wife and son step away from me for a little bit and say that I was too much, it made me realise that family is more important than having a good time with your mates and being on your own being a dickhead. I made some life choices and changes. Put myself in rehab.”

Buzz: “So you feel good about yourself now?”

Todd Carney and Susie Bradley on their wedding day. Picture: Moments by Kait

Carney: “It’s a massive turnaround. I guess when I wake up over here in Vegas clear and fresh minded, it’s a reminder. The last time I was here was in 2010 and I don’t really remember it, Buzz. The temptation is gone now.”

Buzz: “Someone said to me - are you dirty on him (Carney) for telling that story? You’ve got to expect it. I give it and I’ve got to take it.”

Carney: “I wish I still had the photo. I deleted it the next morning.”

Buzz: “It didn’t happen. Come on. I can’t recall it.”