The Cessnock Goannas have signed NRL bad boy Paul Carter to a one-year deal.

The 25 year old has played 40 top flight games for the Gold Coast Titans, South Sydney and the Roosters since making his NRL debut in 2014.

He's been sacked from all three clubs for off-field indiscretions.

There were reports the son of former Panthers great Steve Carter recently tried to get a start in the Queensland Cup.