HUDDERSFIELD Giants are set to sign controversial top Australian half-back Todd Carney.

The 22-year-old is widely regarded as one of the world’s best players and his capture is expected to be confirmed early next week.

Carney became hot property as soon as he was sacked by Canberra Raiders midway through this season due to alcohol-related incidents.

Until his controversial departure, the Junior Kangaroos star was rated as the best player in the Australian NRL through an online poll run by the Daily Telegraph.

As a result, he was immediately courted by Wigan as a replacement for Australian Test superstar Trent Barrett, who is returning home at the end of the season.

And several other Super League clubs were known to be desperate to secure his signature for 2009.

But it is thought the fact that fellow Australian and current St George coach Nathan Brown is taking over as head coach of the Giants next season was a big factor in Carney opting for a move to the Galpharm.

And Brown is convinced he will prove a massive asset to his new club.

“Todd Carney is a quality player in a key position and is an incredibly exciting signing for Huddersfield,” said Brown.

“There’s no question he is one of the most talented players in the Australian NRL and, because of his age, he’s a player on the way up rather than on the way down.

“He’s still got a long way to go to reach his full potential, and I’m really looking forward to helping bring that out of him.

“But as well as being a massive positive for Huddersfield, I also believe bringing him here is a massive positive for Super League as a whole.

“He’s an outstanding talent who will undoubtedly enhance the quality of the competition

“Having spoken to Todd at length during some very tough contract negotiations, I know how much he’s looking forward to coming over to play for the Giants.

“Because of the way things have turned out for him in the NRL I know he sees this move as something of a lifeline.

“He knows it’s going to be tough, but he also knows this is the chance for him to get his career well and truly back on track.

“I’m obviously well aware of his past, but there’s no way I would have taken him on board if I wasn’t 100% convinced. I’m sure he’ll be fine.

“At the end of the day, he’s still a young kid who has done some things that he has since deeply regretted.

“And I’m sure there are some players in Super League who have done far worse things in the past than Todd.

“Having known him for a number of years now I know he is a very nice young kid.

“I also know that he can do a magnificent job for Huddersfield Giants.

“A lot of Super League clubs were very keen to sign him.

“So for him to come here is a massive coup. I couldn’t be happier.”