North Queensland are set to bolster their playing squad for 2018, after agreeing to terms with ex-bad boy Todd Carney.
Awaiting an approval from the NRL integrity unit, the Dally M Medalist believes he's 'ready' for another chance in the NRL.
The deal is expected to be announced as soon as this week by Cowboys officials.
Cowboy's feeder club, North Pride, claimed that Carney had agreed to an offer from the NRL, igniting immense speculation, eventually concluding that Cowboys had signed the 31-year old.
Peter Parr, North Queensland's operating chief, spoke to news.com.au.
“We have had some discussions with Todd’s manager but at this stage we haven’t lodged any contract with the NRL,” Cowboys football operations chief Peter Parr said.
“It could happen down the track but nothing has been signed or lodged at this stage. Todd is in our feeder system so we are exploring his options.”
"That’s one of the big reasons why I want to come back and play. Not to be remembered for the so-called bubbler," Carney said.
"I appreciate what I lost and what I had. To get that back would be a dream come true again.
"For them (NRL bosses) to sit there in front of me and (let me) explain what’s happened in the past four years and where I’m at, I’m pretty sure they would see it’s a different Todd."
Carney believes that over his four-year break from the NRL, he's reflected and conceived that he's a 'smarter' and 'player' in contrast with his 27-year old self.
"I’m not going to blame it on being young, I was stupid," he said.
"I think I’ve become a better player, a smarter player. I definitely still believe I can handle the NRL."