Visa not available for Todd Carney
January 9th 2009 08:51
Huddersfield have been forced to pull out of the signing of Todd Carney after the controversial Australian half-back was refused a visa.
The 22-year-old, who signed for the Giants after being sacked by Canberra Raiders last summer following a series of alcohol-related incidents, applied for his visa in October and was due to link up with the Super League club a week ago.
But Huddersfield have learned the player has been refused permission to travel to the UK.
Coming just a month before the start of the new season, the news is a body blow to ambitious Huddersfield, who beat Wigan to the signature of the talented schoolboy international, and they will now turn their attention to securing a replacement.
Giants managing director Richard Thewlis said: "It is clearly a disappointment for Todd as he was looking forward to playing in Super League.
"His circumstances are well documented and we felt that, on balance, he would be unlikely not to be granted a visa."
Former New Zealand international Tony Puletua finally arrived at St Helens on Thursday - just hours after his team-mates left for their pre-season training camp in Portugal.
The 29-year-old prop or second rower, whose arrival was held up by red tape, will travel to Portugal tomorrow to link up with his new team-mates and coach Mick Potter.
"I'm really excited about joining the Saints and finally being here," he said.
"I'm looking forward to the challenge and Saints fans can be assured of my absolute commitment to the club's continuing success."
Puletua, who was a member of Penrith Panthers' Grand Final-winning team in 2003, played for Samoa in the 2008 World Cup.
New Zealand international Greg Eastwood has been given the green light to link up with Super League champions Leeds Rhinos on their pre-season camp in Florida.
The former Brisbane Broncos forward, who was a member of the Kiwis' World Cup-winning team, was due to arrive in England before Christmas but has been thwarted by red tape.
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