Carney says goodbye to NRL

Social media may not have been kind to Todd Carney of late but it did not stop the former NRL star using it to say goodbye before attempting yet another rugby league comeback.

Four months after his NRL career was killed off by a lewd act that appeared on Facebook, Carney used Instagram to share his thoughts on his imminent move to English Super League club Catalans Dragons.

“I am really excited to go over to France, this isn’t the end of me, it is just the beginning!!” he wrote.

The former NSW State of Origin half has been cleared to sign a three-year deal with the French club by the game’s governing body in the UK but must meet several criteria.

He does not appear to harbour any hard feelings ahead of his move.

“Since I was three years old all I ever wanted to do is play in the NRL,” he said.

“I will never forget the feeling putting on my first ever 1st grade jumper with the raiders and could never, never thought of winning the dally M and play in a grand final with such a proud club like the Roosters.

“I feel so lucky to have played for country, NSW and Australia.”

The ex-Dally M Medallist again vowed to learn from his past mistakes after being sacked from Canberra, Sydney Roosters and finally Cronulla during his tumultuous NRL stint.

“Whilst I have made mistakes and had plenty of ups and downs, I will learn from it and I’m sure to become a better person,” he said.

“A huge thanks to all of the players I played with and to the many coaches.

“To the fans, your support has bought (sic) me through difficult times and I thank you so much.

“Most of all to my family and friends who have stuck by me through the good and bad times it is appreciated beyond belief.”

Carney’s UK move was initially met with opposition from Leeds Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington who tried to block the signing.

However, the Rugby Football League board of directors agreed to accept Carney’s registration provided the 28-year-old met several criteria designed to address his behavioural issues.

He has also been ordered to complete a welfare program.

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