Todd Carney signs for Catalan Dragons
Catalan Dragons have revealed that Todd Carney has signed a three-year deal with the club.
The Australian international halfback should stay at the Stade Gilbert Brutus until the end of the 2017 season
The 28-year-old was de-registered this year by the NRL for breaching his club, Cronulla Sharks’ code of conduct.
That followed a drunken incident in a nightclub toilet, which was photographed, and subsequently appeared on Twitter.
Carney has also been in disciplinary trouble at previous stages in his career, but has also played three State of Origin games for New South Wales. He has won one cap for Australia, in 2010.
Catalans Dragons chairman Bernard Guasch is delighted to have added the former Dally M medal winner to his club’s rankns.
He also revealed that the Dragons were not the only club to be interested in the player.
“We are delighted that a such talented player chose our club despite a fierce competition with other Super League and Rugby Union clubs,” he said.
“My desire was to attract a world-class player for the tenth season of the Catalans Dragons in Super League and I think we can be really satisfied today.
“After Stacey Jones, Greg Bird or Steve Menzies, it’s another world class player who decides to join our club.”
Catalans headcoach Laurent Frayssinous also pleased that the club had signed a player who has 59 tries and 827 points in 166 NRL appearances.
“I’m really excited to add Todd Carney to the squad. He is one of the best player in the world,” he said.
Catalans Dragons CEO Christophe Jouffret revealed that the French club had faced some hard bargaining to finally land the player.
“It’s been tough negotiations to find an agreement with Todd’s agent,” he explained.
“His agent David Riolo has received a lot of propositions from different clubs but Todd has been convinced by our ambitious project for our tenth season in Super League.
“We received the agreement for his agent today and we are now waiting for the green light of the RFL who will, I’m sure, register Todd license.
“He is a world class player and he will be a great addition to our club but also to the Super League.
“I’m sure the RFL and all the rugby league fans who follow Super League will appreciate to watch a such quality player in our competition.
“The Catalans Dragons Board is committed to support Todd Carney in his new life, far away from the media pressure he had in Sydney.
“Greg Bird, who now plays in the NRL and for Australia, resurrected his career during a 12-month spell in the south of France, and became, after his time here, the brilliant player he is now. I’m sure Todd will seize this great opportunity to show the great player he is.
“With Todd as the skipper, the show will be guaranteed at Gilbert Brutus stadium and everywhere for the pleasure of our fans and sponsors.”