“Could be an NRL coach”: Johns praises reformed Carney in new role

Gold Coast Titans shareholder Matty Johns has effusively praised the effect that pathways coach Todd Carney is having on the club as they enter a new era.

Having joined the ownership consortium at the end of the year following their 16th-place finish and the departure of Des Hasler as coach, the 1997 Premiership player has been actively involved with the club as they look to turn around their fortunes.

One of the key areas the club has looked to make this turnaround has been through its junior ranks, with Carney, who had been working in a mentoring role at Keebra Park State High School before his full-time appointment with the Titans before the pre-season.

While the now 39-year-old had his NRL career cut short as a result of his several off-field antics, it appears that he is on the straight and narrow now and is having a considerable impact on the development of junior talent already.  

Speaking about the 2010 Dally M Medallist, Johns believs he is capable of great heights in the coaching realm.

“You need certain drawcards at every level and Josh (Hannay) as a coach is that,” Johns said on SEN’s Morning Glory with Matty Johns.

“The other one in the juniors that has been crucial in signing great young players has been Todd Carney.

“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.”

A similar sentiment would also be shared by Denan Kemp.

“You just forget how good Carney was,” he added.

“It wasn’t talent or knowledge of the game that ever hurt his career; it was obviously all the off-field stuff.

“And he’s been a part of the coaching system for a couple of years now. I think he moved back up to the Gold Coast a few years ago or at least Northern NSW, and he was a coach/captain.

“It’s an exciting time for the Titans.”

The Titans begin their 2026 season against the Sharks at Ocean Protect Stadium on March 7.

They will play pre-season matches against the Dolphins and Melbourne Storm.