Former Catalans Dragons, Salford Red Devils and Hull KR man Todd Carney has secured an NRL coaching job. Carney has been hired by Gold Coast Titans as a junior pathways coach, with the 38-year-old now living a life of sobriety.
Carney was once considered to be one of the brightest talents in the NRL and won the Dally M Medal in 2010 after a spectacular season with Sydney Roosters. However, off the field issues got the best of his career, with the former half-back struggling to find consistency.
Spells at the Roosters, Canberra Raiders and Cronulla Sharks ended in controversy before his move to Super League with Catalans Dragons in 2015. He made 33 appearances for the French outfit, before moving on to spend a season with Salford.
The former Australia international and New South Wales representative returned Down Under in 2018 and had stints with Northern Pride, North Queensland Cowboys and North Sydney Bears, before eventually signing on with Hull KR in July 2018 for the remainder of the season. He made six outings for the Robins.
Carney has turned a corner in his life now, though, and after calling time on his playing days, he is now approaching two years sober. Since giving up the drink, he has stepped into coaching with Keebra Park High School and that has led to the Titans giving him the nod.
“It’s been a new journey, not so much a challenge,” Carney told the Daily Telegraph Down Under. “I feel like I can help in all sorts of areas which excites me. It’s been a long journey for me and I want to help the next kids coming through.
“When I look back, I missed out on a lot. If my one or two words can help their footy or life it will be a big benefit to them.”
He added: “So much has changed. The opportunity to work with the Titans is massive. It’s another step in the right direction.
“Two years ago I didn’t think I’d be working in an organisation within the NRL. Now I spoke at the NRL rookie camp a month ago and will potentially speak at all 17 clubs.
“It’s been a massive change and rewarding to get things along the way. They wouldn’t have come about without making changes.
“The Titans have got some really good kids coming through. It’s about teaching them the basics. They’ve got the skills but need to be prepared to go to the next level.
“Doing what I’m doing now in the game is enough. I’ve got a family at home that I need to be around.”
