Justin Carney signs permanent deal at Salford Red Devils

By PA Sport

Salford have announced the permanent signing of winger Justin Carney.

The 27-year-old Australian is currently on a season-long loan from Castleford but will now stay with the Red Devils after they agreed a deal with the Tigers.

Wigan were thought to be showing interest in Carney and Salford say they have beaten off competition from a host of rival clubs for his signature on a contract that will keep him at the AJ Bell Stadium until the end of 2019.

Salford head coach Ian Watson said: "Justin is a real good bloke to have around the place. He is a great influence on the group and a hugely competitive professional.

"He wants to win things and you see that in his attacking play. He is a 100 miles per hour player and he is the top metre maker in the competition this year. That's a big plus for any team."

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Carney was a big fans' favourite at Castleford, where he was affectionately known as the "tank on the flank" for the devastating finishing power that brought him 63 tries in 62 appearances.

Image: Justin Carney fends off ex-team mate Oliver Holmes

But his career was thrown into jeopardy towards the end of last season when reports emerged of an affair with the partner of a team-mate.

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Carney's stay at the Jungle became untenable and, after weeks of uncertainty, he was thrown a lifeline by Salford owner Marwan Koukash.

He has scored six tries in 12 Super League appearances so far for the Red Devils, including two against Castleford in their 32-16 win at the Jungle in March.

"I feel right at home at Salford," Carney said. "Marwan was there from day dot for me and there are a lot of people like [Michael] Dobson, [Weller] Hauraki and [Junior] Sa'u I have played with previously and I work well with.

"There are a lot of good people here so why would I leave?"

Highlights from Salford's loss to Catalans in Perpignan

Carney will return to face his former club in the next round of the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup on May 7.

In a statement, Castleford said: "Castleford Tigers can confirm that Justin Carney's request to be released from his contract has been accepted.

"The release will happen on June 1 and Carney will remain on loan at Salford Red Devils until then.

"Castleford Tigers will make no further comment on this matter."

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