7th Tackle: Carney edges closer to NRL return

The NRL stance against Todd Carney ever returning has softened, with recent conversations clearing the way for him to come back next year – under strict conditions.

Any decision to register Carney would be in the hands of the Integrity Unit, which has been asked to consider his case over the past few months.

The talks have been largely positive and it’s now unlikely Carney would need to follow Russell Packer and Matt Lodge and spend 12 months in second tier exile before proving himself worthy.

Armed with a clean bill of behavioural health from the UK Super League, the Salford playmaker can now confidently speak with NRL clubs about a first grade start in 2018.

He’s off contract with the Devils in October, but needs to make a premature return to Australia later this month for his unfair dismissal case against the Sharks.

Carney needs to give evidence in the NSW Supreme Court to succeed against his former club and the trial has been intentionally scheduled around the Challenge Cup final, with Salford having that week-off.

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The conditions Carney would need to adhere to are obvious – guidelines around socialising and alcohol consumption.

“Any application would have to demonstrate that he is fit and proper to be part of the NRL,” an NRL spokesman said.

Desperate to finish-off on a high, we can’t see the 2010 Dally M medallist opposing that. Melbourne, Brisbane and Souths are three clubs we think could do with a player of Carney’s calibre.