A family illness appears to have ended Todd Carney’s bold bid to make an NRL comeback with North Queensland.

The Cowboys confirmed Carney had told their feeder club Northern Pride that he would no longer be playing for them after returning to Sydney due to personal reasons.

It is believed Carney – on a three year deal with Pride – returned to Sydney on Sunday due to a family illness.

It brings an abrupt halt to Carney’s quest to return to the NRL via the Cowboys, four years after being sacked by Cronulla and deregistered for the infamous “bubbler” incident.

Carney had appeared close to being registered for a one year deal with North Queensland with the Cowboys holding ongoing talks with NRL boss Todd Greenberg.

The former Dally M Medallist had been allowed to train twice a week with the Cowboys squad and had impressed for feeder club Northern Pride in Queensland Cup.

There is speculation Carney may try to play for Newtown in NSW Cup after relocating to Sydney.

Newtown is a Cronulla feeder club.

Fox Sports reported that North Queensland had been left unimpressed with Carney’s decision to abruptly leave after the work they had done to push his NRL return.