Todd Carney is a step closer to resurrecting his rugby league career after he was given conditional approval to sign with English Super League club Catalans Dragons.

The former NSW State of Origin half has been cleared to sign with the French club by the game’s governing body in the UK but only if he meets several criteria.

Carney was sacked by three clubs during his tumultuous NRL career and in June was cut by Cronulla after an unsavoury image of him in a pub toilet appeared on social media.

Last month he agreed to a three-year deal with Catalans as he attempts to return to the pitch and salvage his reputation.

The move was met with opposition with Leeds Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington emailing rival club bosses asking them to help block Carney’s signing.

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

They imposed a STG50,000 ($A90,000) bond which will be payable should Carney break the RFL’s misconduct guidelines or be convicted of a criminal act.

He has also been ordered to complete a welfare program.