League great Matty Johns has made a bold call regarding former NRL bad boy Todd Carney, claiming he could become a head coach one day.
The former Dally M Medal winner, was one of the game’s superstars on his day before being sacked by Cronulla in 2014 for an infamous off-field incident, which followed stints at the Raiders and Roosters that both ended poorly.
However, the 39-year-old has turned his life around and is now part of the Gold Coast coaching staff under Josh Hannay, working with the club’s young players.
READ MORE: Brown dons new colours, Flegler ends injury absence
READ MORE: Four players ejected, benches cleared in wild NBA brawl
READ MORE: Moses brushes off ‘short-sighted’ critics of Pezet deal
Todd Carney. Getty
Carney had already worked at Keebra Park High School before earning a full-time gig with the Titans heading into the 2026 season.
And according to Johns, who is now a key stakeholder at the club, Carney could have what it takes to become an NRL head coach in the future.
“The other one in the juniors that has been crucial in signing great young players has been Todd Carney,” he said on SEN’s Morning Glory With Matty Johns.
“People might raise an eyebrow, but Todd Carney has completely turned his life around.
“To watch him train the young players, he is outstanding in the way he can articulate, the rapport he has with the players and the way the young players respect him.
“I think one day, Todd Carney could be an NRL coach, that’s how good he is.”
Todd Carney speaks on Nine’s Sunday Footy Show in 2024. Nine
Carney played 221 first grade games in the NRL and Super League, as well as three State of Origin appearances for NSW and one game for Australia.
He continued playing with the Byron Bay Red Devils as captain-coach until 2024.
Brian McDermott, who was talked about for the Newcastle Knights head coaching role at one stage, is also on Hannay’s staff at the Titans this year.
Gold Coast will kick off their campaign against the Sharks on March 7.