South Sydney have announced the signing of former Gold Coast bad boy Paul Carter until the end of the 2016 season.

Almost six months to the day he was sacked by the Titans for repeated drink-driving offences, the 23-year-old joined the Rabbitohs on Monday hopeful of getting his career back on track.

Carter said he was grateful to be given another chance to play in the NRL.

“From my meetings with (coach Michael Maguire) and from what I know about the club, I’m very fortunate to be getting an opportunity to start my career again with such a fantastic club and it’s something I won’t be taking for granted,” Carter said in a statement.

Carter has been undergoing rehabilitation after twice being pinged for drink-driving within the space of six months that led to the Titans terminating his contract last December.

Carter, whose father Steve holds the record for most first grade games at Penrith, played 21 games in his rookie season for Gold Coast last year.

Rabbitohs coach Michael Maguire said he was excited at working with the once-promising utility.

“Paul showed during his team at the Titans that he is a quality NRL footballer and we’re looking forward to working with him and bringing him into our club and our culture,” he said.

“Paul is very capable of performing consistently at the top level and with hard work and dedication he will have opportunities to ply his trade here at South Sydney.

“Paul will join our squad this week and during our discussions he has indicated that he will be working very hard to earn a place in our top 17.”