Todd Carney: Catalan Dragons agree deal with stand-off

Carney's qualities led to a Test cap for Australia and three State of Origin appearances in 2012

Controversial stand-off Todd Carney has agreed to join Super League side Catalan Dragons on a three-year deal.

The former Australia international, 28, was sacked by NRL side Cronulla Sharks in June after he appeared to be photographed committing a lewd act.

Carney's contract is subject to Rugby Football League approval.

"We are now waiting for the green light of the RFL who will, I'm sure, register Todd's license," said Dragons chief executive Christophe Jouffret.

"The Catalan Dragons Board is committed to support Todd Carney in his new life, far away from the media pressure he had in Sydney."

Carney, who will also captain the Dragons next term, is a previous winner of of the southern hemisphere competition's highest individual honour, the Dally M Medal, and was the international player of the year in 2010.

However, his career has been plagued by controversy as he was sacked by Canberra Raiders for off-the-field incidents in 2008 and by the Sydney Roosters in 2011 for breaking a club drinking ban.

Huddersfield Giants previously tried to bring Carney to the British game, but had to abandon their efforts in 2009 when he was refused a visa to work in the UK.

Catalans have a history of moving to sign out-of-favour players, having brought New South Wales State of Origin back-rower Greg Bird to Super League while he was suspended from the NRL in 2009.

"Greg Bird, who now plays in the NRL and for Australia, resurrected his career during a 12-month spell in the south of France, and became, after his time here, the brilliant player he is now," added Jouffret.

"I'm sure Todd will seize this great opportunity to show the great player he is."