Carney in 'serious talks' with Cowboys for NRL return

Todd Carney is reportedly a chance to return to the NRL after engaging in serious talks with the North Queensland Cowboys.

The 31-year-old signed with Queensland Cup side Northern Pride for 2018 after knocking back a million-dollar deal to remain in the Super League with Hull KR.

But with an NRL release clause in his contract, Carney remained hopeful he could secure a return -- and it appears he may have succeeded:

The Cairns-based Northern Pride are a feeder team to the Cowboys.

Carney was sacked by Cronulla and deregistered by the NRL in 2014 after the infamous 'bubbler' incident.

"That's one of the big reasons why I want to come back and play," Carney told Channel Nine on Monday night.

"Not to be remembered for the so-called bubbler. I appreciate what I lost and what I had. To get that back would be a dream come true again."

"For them (NRL bosses) to sit there in front of me and (let me) explain what's happened in the past four years and where I'm at, I'm pretty sure they would see it's a different Todd."

Todd Carney. Pic: Getty

Carney's rap sheet includes repeated drink driving offences, including one instance where he was handed a suspended jail sentence for leading police on a chase before fleeing.

For a comeback to be considered, a club would have to apply to the NRL to register his contract -- something chief executive Todd Greenberg claims is yet to have happened.

Regardless, Carney believes he can still match it in the NRL.

"I'm not going to blame it on being young, I was stupid," he said.

"I think I've become a better player, a smarter player. I definitely still believe I can handle the NRL."

with AAP