IT takes a certain amount of strength to admit you need help – but for former Super League and NRL playmaker Todd Carney, it’s what helped him move past his alcohol addiction.
Carney, who had a long and chequered rugby league career, has been appointed a junior pathways coach at the Gold Coast Titans as he nears his two-year anniversary of giving up alcohol.
At 38, the ex-Catalans Dragons and Canberra Raiders star is now set to help young stars try to make it in the sport where he made his name.
Carney initially made his debut for the Raiders back in 2004 at the tender age of just 17, but he was released in 2009 following numerous off-field misdemeanours.
A brief spell at the Sydney Roosters saw him win the Dally M Medal in 2010, but again trouble followed the halfback and he made the move to the Cronulla Sharks in 2012.
The 38-year-old spent three seasons in the Shire before another off-field incident ended his 166-game NRL career.
It was then that Carney made the move to Super League, plying his trade for the likes of Catalans, Salford Red Devils and Hull KR before hanging up his boots at the end of the 2018 season.
Though Carney has had issues throughout his career, it wasn’t until last February when the Australian admitted he had a problem and went to rehab.
“There’s obviously been a few things throughout my career,” Carney told The Daily Telegraph.
“I self-sabotaged and that affected my relationship with my partner which caused us to split for a little bit.
“For the first time ever I decided to get help and put myself into rehab for 30 days. I haven’t looked back since.
“It grows mental strength and resilience. Walking into rehab was a challenge in itself. You swallow your pride and step into a place where you know you need to change.
“The fear going in there was a struggle but when I walked out I felt like a new person and I’ve lived that life since. It made me accountable.
“It hasn’t been a challenge, but it’s something I have to stick to daily. It’s one day at a time, that’s how I live my life.”
Focus, for Carney, now turns to his new role with the Titans.
“The Titans have got some really good kids coming through,” he said.
“It’s about teaching them the basics. They’ve got the skills but need to be prepared to go to the next level.
“Doing what I’m doing now in the game is enough. I’ve got a family at home that I need to be around.
“I want to have more kids and I know what it’s like to be in an NRL system. You spend a lot of time away from your family and at this stage I don’t want that.
“Family is the most important thing to me. My mum and sisters, and my dad when he was alive, are the most important people in my life.
“To now have my own family, I understand how my parents worked for me. If I can be half as good as them I would have achieved something as a parent.
“I’ve had so much support from family and friends. I know I’m on the right path when I’m doing things like talking at a rookie camp or getting an opportunity at the Titans.
“Everything is really good – I can’t complain.”
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