This guy has been ostracised by the NRL community and ridiculed by many for his actions. Sure it was all justified. However, I think he's served his time in isolation and he deserves to be able to redeem himself. I think he's hurting inside and has done everything to put himself back in consideration for a position to play in the NRL.
Around December 2016, he was interviewed about the upcoming NRL charity fight night with Chris Sandow , where he expressed his desire to play in the NRL again and that he would do whatever was necessary :
"If the NRL turns around and says I have to do 'X,Y, Z, I'm happy to accept whatever they want me to do to pull on another NRL jumper and give it that one last crack," Carney said on Thursday.
"If a club is willing to sign me and put regulations or whatever the NRL wants to put forward, I'll put my hand up and say 'yes.' And if it's a strict policy I'm fine with that."
As we all know he's returned to play in the QLD cup for bananas. To me his actions show maturity and a desire to prove to himself and others that he has a lot more to offer to the game long-term. He could have finished off his career overseas in obscurity away from the public shame and pain. But no he's come back to face the critics.
A lot of people think he's washed up. Sure he's not the same as he was but his desire has brought him this far and may even take him further.
I'd be excited to see him put on our colours and possibly finish up his career a champion at Manly.
