Rugby league is the "last thing" on Todd Carney's mind according to North Queensland's feeder club after the ex-Test half stalled his NRL comeback quest by flying to Sydney due to family illness.
The former Dally M Medallist reportedly told Northern Pride teammates on Tuesday night that he would be taking indefinite leave due to personal reasons.
It is believed Carney - on a three year deal with Pride - has already flown to Sydney to be with the ill family member.
It appears to bring an end to Carney's quest to make an NRL comeback with North Queensland, four years after being sacked by Cronulla and deregistered for the infamous "bubbler" incident.
But Northern Pride chairman Tony Williamson said Carney had higher priorities than football right now.
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"We're disappointed but we've got to think of Todd's welfare. He's got to go," he told The Cairns Post.
"To have an Australian representative at the Pride was unprecedented but at the end of the day rugby league is just a sport.
"Football is the last thing on his mind right now."
Pride coach Ty Williams was not surprised by Carney's call on Tuesday.
"He spoke to me late last week and I said I'd back him no matter what. I think he's made the right decision for his family," said ex-Queensland flyer Williams.
"We support him on and off the field. He's been massive for us. He's put us in a good position for the next six months of the competition."
Ex-NSW half Carney had appeared close to being registered for a one year deal with North Queensland in 2018 after the Cowboys spoke three times in ongoing talks with NRL CEO Todd Greenberg.
NRL boss Greenberg was yet to make a decision on whether to give Carney another lifeline.
However, he did indicate a number of restrictions would be placed on Carney's contract after his long list of misdemeanours.
Former NSW half Carney had been allowed to train twice a week with the Cowboys squad and had impressed for Northern Pride in Queensland Cup this season.
There is speculation Carney may try to play for Newtown in NSW Cup after relocating to Sydney.
Newtown is a Cronulla feeder club.
While the Pride understood, Fox Sports reported that North Queensland had been left unimpressed with Carney's decision to abruptly leave after the work they had done to push his NRL return.
Carney was seeking a Cowboys return following three years playing in the UK after being sacked by three clubs and deregistered twice since his 2004 NRL debut as a 17-year-old.
