High expectations for halfback and club ahead of 2018 Intrust Super Cup


"I don't look back, I always look forward."

And for now, the Northern Pride's number one signing for season 2018, Todd Carney is looking forward to getting into pre-season training and hitting the field with his new teammates for the first time tomorrow night.

In the longer-term, he has ambitions to again play in the NRL and signing a three-year deal with the Pride opens the possibility of getting into coaching when his career on the field ends.

Carney, 31, is a former Australian representative and NRL halfback who has spent the past three years playing in the English Super League with Catalans Dragons and Salford Red Devils.

He is no stranger to TNQ, after taking the Atherton Roosters to a grand final in 2009 and says he is excited about the opportunities signing with the Pride has opened up for him.

EXCITED TO GET GOING

"It's been good meeting new faces and getting to know the boys," he said.

"I'm excited. It's not about money or anything like that.

"I feel the Pride will put me in good stead for where I want to be in five years."

While he does have coaching ambitions, he is unsure whether he will go down that path or be able to make the transition after his playing days and believes he still has a lot to offer on the field.

"I have really good first impressions of the club," he said.

"I watched the start of training last night, the boys have a spring in their step and it's a good time of year with pre-season training.

"I have a lot to offer on the field still, I have come here to play and play well and help a group of young players get the best of their abilities and win games.

"Coaching is a lure, but I am here to play and I am serious about playing, about training and getting back to the top standard I know I can get to."

HIGH EXPECTATIONS FOR 2018

Although Carney has struggled with some injuries throughout his career, including hamstring problems in the Super League, he says his body is fine apart from some wear and tear and bumps and bruises and he has very high expectations for season 2018 in the Intrust Super Cup.

"I set goals at the start of the season, personal and team goals," he said.

"When I get into the team environment we will sit down and set those goals.

"My personal goals are to play week in, week out at a high standard.

"I feel if I can do that we will be there at the back end of the year pushing for trophies."

And when asked about playing NRL again, Carney was upbeat.

"I will have NRL ambitions until the day I hang up my boots," he said.

"I would like to finish in the NRL, on my own terms.

"I am willing to put my hand up and say I have done things wrong. But everyone deserves another crack and if I get the opportunity I will take it with both hands."

Carney has not played in the NRL since June 2014 and has been sacked by a number of clubs for a series of off-field incidents.

SUCCESS FOLLOWS CARNEY

The Pride has known a lot of success since first entering the state-wide competition in 2008 and have won a number of premierships and were the NRL State Champions in 2014, but a lean few years since has the club hungry for success next season.<strike></strike>

Carney comes to the Pride with a resume that's "second to none" and includes a Dally M Medal in 2010 as the best player in the NRL, with Northern Pride chief executive Greg Dowling saying Carney's signing was a proud day for the club.

"Wherever Todd's gone, he's created a successful football team," Dowling said.

"He's been around the game for a long time and his professionalism on the paddock will help draw the best out of our young players.

"I really hope he does go back to the NRL.

"That's what the Pride is set up for, it's a pathway to the NRL.

"I would like to see him back in the NRL because he's got so much to offer."