BRISBANE - Great Britain international Brian Carney has made the shock decision to retire, becoming the second high-profile winger to be lost to National Rugby League newcomers the Gold Coast Titans in 24 hours.
Carney, 30, only arrived at the Gold Coast on Sunday and started training withhis new club yesterday.
But the Irish winger today told surprised Titans officials he no longer had the desire to play and would not see out his two-year deal.
Titans managing director Michael Searle said the news came as a complete shock but Carney had the full support of the NRL club.
Carney has refused to comment on the matter but has told Searle and coach John Cartwright he wants to spend more time with his family and return home to complete his university studies in commercial law.
Yesterday it was announced recalcitrant winger Steve Turner, 22, would play for Melbourne this year after the Titans agreed to release him from a three-year agreement in exchange for financial compensation and two Storm juniors.
"I have made this decision with a heavy heart and it has been a difficult decision for me to make," Carney said in a statement.
"But I dearly want to get home to my family and I couldn't act like a fraud by taking the club's money but I knew in my heart I couldn't see the year out."
Searle said Carney had requested that the Titans hold back a contractual release from his two-year deal, meaning he won't be able to play for any other rugby league or rugby union club.
It was a bad day for the Titans with dual international Mat Rogers earlier suffering an ankle injury during his first training session with the club.
