Friday 20 January 2017 16:39, UK
Salford Red Devils have announced the signing of Todd Carney on a 12-month contract and are confident they will be able to secure a visa for the controversial Australian.
The 30-year-old was international player of the year in 2010 but is currently a free agent after being released by Catalans Dragons from the last two years of his contract in October.
Huddersfield were refused a visa for Carney when they tried to sign him eight years ago because of the player's criminal record but Red Devils owner Marwan Koukash is optimistic that there will be no problem on this occasion.
"The visa situation is not in our hands, it's up to the Home Office," said Koukash.
"But the fact that he came into the country when he was playing for Catalans and he hasn't been in any trouble over the last two or three years puts us in a good position.
"We've taken advice and we're fairly confident that we'll be okay. Hopefully, he will be here within a couple of weeks.
"I'm very excited about it, Todd will add quality to our side.
"We've got three class players in the halves competing for two places and this is what the coach wanted."
Carney has been sacked for alleged misbehaviour by three NRL clubs, Canberra, Sydney Roosters and Cronulla, and was forced to complete a player-welfare programme before being allowed to join the Dragons in 2015.
However, Koukash thinks the player is a different person nowadays and added: "I've known Todd for a couple of years.
"We all make mistakes, Todd himself has acknowledged he has made mistakes in the past, and he wants to get back to what he can do.
"We had no hesitation signing him. On his day he can be the best player in Super League."
Salford coach Ian Watson said: "Speaking to Todd over the Christmas period, I know how excited he is to come across and perform for the club.
"I told Todd what Salford was about these days - no egos and no favouritism shown, and we didn't want people who would damage the team or what we are about.
"Todd was very open with us about past misdemeanours and wants to focus on getting his rugby league career back on path and we believe that, if we can get him fully fit and running at teams, he will be a great asset for us."
