Two years ago, at the age of just 22, Todd Carney was banished from the NRL following a string of alcohol fuelled incidents including drink driving, destroying a hotel room in a rampage and leading police of a high speed chase through Canberra. Yet, on Tuesday night Carney was awarded Rugby League's highest honour – the Dally M. The Dally M is awarded the best player of the year.
Following his banishment from the NRL Carney took the steps needed to clean up his life, he fled his friends and the lifestyle he had enjoyed in the Sydney based competition and headed north. Deep into Katter Kountry.
The only team willing to give him a chance was the Atherton Roosters. Under the wing of the Rooster's coach Carney was able to give up alcohol completely and focused on ensuring he maintained the brilliant skills he had developed in the years earlier.
Carney was given his second chance by the Sydney Roosters and after just one match in the new position of Fullback Carney was back at the top.
Rumour has it that following the awarding of the Dally M Carney joined his Atherton Roosters coach back at his hotel room for a tea and biscuit. The following day Carney admitted he's still no pin-up boy and has a long way to go to overcome his alcoholism.
2010 Finals – week 1
• Titans over the Warriors
• Tigers to beat Carney's Roosters
• Panthers to beat the Raiders
• Dragons over the Sea Eagles