Redemption Rules

Sydney Roosters five-eight Todd Carney must be looking into heaven right now and thanking his lucky stars, or maybe trying to locate his personal guardian angel. For a player who was booted out of the Australian National Rugby League in 2008 to stand at the pinnacle of his prowess as a player by winning the Dally M Medal is nothing short of a miracle.

The Dally M Medal is the major individual award in the NRL, and given to the player voted the best and fairest in the competition for any given year. It is awarded to those that have performed at the top of their game and have limited their suspensions during the year. The award caps off a stunning return to the NRL for Carney, who spent the 2009 season rebuilding his life and his career playing district football in the North Queensland town of Atherton after several off the field indiscretions that cost him his place.

The resurrection of Todd Carney has paralleled the rise of the Roosters who have burst into contention for a grand final spot with some stunning play in the latter half of the season. It seems that Carney and the Roosters are a match made in heaven if their combination this year is anything to go by. It just goes to show that anyone, who does everything to put their past behind them, can succeed in their chosen arena. Thank goodness for opportunities that come along that allow us to change our spots. Apparently normal leopards suck.