- Todd Carney has reflected on his turbulent NRL career
- Has some regrets, notably the ‘bubbler’ incident in 2014
- At his peak, 37-year-old was a supremely talented five-eighth
One time NRL bad boy Todd Carney has revealed just how much his life has changed in recent years – and how ‘The Bubbler’ incident is still brought up by footy fans.
Carney, 37, opened up in a revealing YouTube clip on behalf of gambling company Ladbrokes.
The man who was handed a first grade debut by the Raiders at age 17 was an elite talent, but his career – which included a Dally M Medal in 2010 – was tainted by numerous alcohol-fuelled dramas.
The bubbler incident – where he bizarrely pretended to drink his own urine when on a night out in 2014 – saw Carney sacked by the Sharks.
He became the subject of ridicule and was forced to head abroad to salvage his reputation in the English Super League.
One time NRL bad boy Todd Carney has revealed just how much his life has changed the past few years
‘It [bubbler] follows me everywhere,’ Carney admitted in the video. ‘I was stupid along the way and painted with it [reputation].
‘But I owned it and I’ve moved on.’
Carney just finished his fifth season with the Byron Bay Devils on the NSW north coast – and has relished passing on his footy IQ to teammates.
He is contemplating retirement, but knows he will need to find a passion to fill the void.
Away from footy, Carney works with students struggling to stay in school on the Gold Coast.
Many have behavioural issues, but they are all ears when the former NRL star – who in many fans eyes is a wasted talent – offers life advice.
The bubbler incident in 2014 when on a night out saw Carney become the subject of ridicule
Carney has a son – Lion – with Australian reality TV star Susie Bradley (pictured)
‘The boys respond to me, which I really enjoy,’ he said.
‘Alcohol was the reason for many of my dramas, it’s why I don’t drink these days, I want to be the best version of myself.’
Plenty of footy fans online were happy to see Carney has successfully turned his life around.
‘Love what he’s done with himself. Champion,’ one posted.
Another said: ‘How inspiring, it gives me hope. Well done Todd, you’ve risen above it all.’
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Read more at DailyMail.co.uk