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By Peter Fitzgerald, Canberra Times - Todd Carney's rugby league exile could continue for at least another 12 months after the NRL yesterday ruled out a ''forgive and forget'' motion for 2009. Carney's manager David Riolo has all but given up hope of his client honouring a deal with English Super League club Huddersfield due to ongoing visa issues.

Carney is still yet to receive a visa which he applied for in October last year that he requires to earn an income in Europe.

The Canberra Times understands the drink driving offences which were part of the reason Carney lost his job at the Canberra Raiders last year are the cause for the delay on his visa application.

Riolo yesterday admitted the chances of receiving positive news on the visa issue were ''more and more unlikely by the day'', meaning he would have to seek employment in Australia for his client.

But the NRL yesterday closed the door on that, at least for this season.

''We indicated last August that we would not accept registration of a contract for Todd Carney for the 2009 season and our position has not changed,'' an NRL spokesperson told The Canberra Times yesterday.

''If Todd addresses his issues and support services will remain available to him to do so through our counselling and welfare programmes then we will reassess his position for the 2010 season.''

The NRL's firm stance will be a setback for Carney and Riolo, should the ongoing visa issue prevent him playing with Huddersfield, which starts its season on February 14.

The NRL did not officially deregister Carney when the Raiders sacked him for off-field offences in August, but indicated it would refuse any applications for registration before 2010.

Riolo was banking on authorities approving Carney's visa as early as last November and hoped his client would be in England well and truly by Christmas.

But with every day that passes, the likelihood of Carney getting to Huddersfield on time diminishes.

''It's more than a bit of a concern and there's now probably a good chance he won't go,'' Riolo said.