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Todd Carney - Source: Getty -
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Rugby league bad boy Todd Carney is aiming on becoming a feared NRL playmaker again and ditching his reputation as a troublemaker.
On the first day of pre-season training at his new club, the Sydney Roosters, the former Canberra Raider said he couldn't afford any more slip-ups.
"Yeah definitely I think everyone knows there are no more chances, me especially," he said on Monday.
"So I am just here to really give it a go and hopefully I can make a career out of it."
Carney, 23, was sacked by the Raiders and de-registered by the NRL in 2008 following a litany of alcohol-fuelled indiscretions and played for the Atherton Roosters in the Cairns District Rugby League this year.
Sydney captain Braith Anasta said he was confident Carney could keep out of trouble.
"Toddy has been through a lot, he has had the year off and been away and has appreciated being a rugby league first-grade player (again)," he said.
"He wants to take his opportunity with two hands and all of us at the club will be helping him do that and make sure that he does the best he can and stays on track and I am confident that will be the case."
Carney said he had yet to sit down with new coach Brian Smith and Roosters chief executive Steve Noyce to discuss any special requirements he might have to meet.
Anasta said he was prepared to move from five-eighth if Smith wanted to play Carney at No.6 alongside halfback Mitchell Pearce.
"I think Todd will be a great asset to our team," Anasta said.
"Whether I have got to move or stay in the five-eighth position I will do whatever."
Willie Mason was a notable absentee, the controversial figure having flown to Japan for reported contract talks with rugby union clubs.
Anasta confirmed Mason was in Japan but wouldn't detail why his former premiership teammate at the Bulldogs was overseas and missing the start to pre-season training.
"It is up to club management, he is a friend of mine but at the end of the day it is up to club management," he said in reference to reports the Roosters would be happy if Mason ended his big-dollar contract.
The Roosters are looking to rebound from a disastrous season, plagued by off-field dramas and finishing the 2009 season as wooden spooners for the first time since 1966.
