A Raider lost in reality
August 7th 2008 08:45
Todd Carney's career is over
Todd Carney's career has been cast into a coma not even time itself can mend.
He alone has dropped a life destined to bring about major successes. The sky was the limit.
Three years from now, Carney could have been the permanent NSW half. He could have been the leader of a Raiders side destined to achieve future success after some lean years.
But for now, his time in Rugby League circles is done.
His attitude was not up to scratch. Raiders chief executive David Furner presented the troubled star with an opportunity to sit out the rest of this season and fix up his lifestyle.
Carney however, citied the decision, with it, Canberra's will to help an individual clearly out of touch.
After much politicking and discussion, the outcome became clear yesterday afternoon. Carney's future at the Canberra Raiders was over.
All the reasonable doubt surrounding the troubled playmakers future was cast into flame. This whole fiasco was a trial of strength for both Carney and the Raiders.
Unfortunately, behind every success story down at the nations capital lies stupidity and arrogance.
The result of Carney's ways has seen his future go up in smoke. The death of a dynasty not even old enough to be remembered.
Although Carney will fill distorted by the decision, the Raiders are the biggest losers.
Their decision to sack their best player was a correct one. But it will have consequences in terms of the way the team plays their football.
On the field, the vibe surrounding Carney was awesome. He was working a season of terrific form, which saw the 22 year old represent Country this season.
His vision with the football was exceptional. Carney displayed one of the finest passing games by a half in years.
His kicking game though is what made him special.
Carney's ability to kick a forty-twenty was priceless. When the radar was on, there was none better in finding the sideline than the former Raiders star.
All this potential however, has been thrown away. How could Carney's world turn black after such praise and expectation?
The future looked so bright for Carney. But now, his world has gone dark, like staring out of Stevie Wonders glasses.
The dream of an NRL career has subsided for the Raiders half. Joy has turned to pain and Carney's obstacles in regaining normality is now just that little bit harder.
Although he looked a million dollars in his business suit, Carney was anything but. The nightmare of reality has hit home hard for Canberra's pin up boy.
The phenomenon of a talent so unique in the NRL is once again lost.
First it was Sonny Bill Williams defying the salary cap. Now its Carney defying the law.
Unlike the Bulldogs however, the Raiders did come up with a strategy to rectify the problem. Their decision to sack Carney will not be met well by some, but it does show that the club comes before the individual.
In the end, it was a battle Carney was never going to win in the first place.
The War that is rehabilitation has just begun.
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