Todd Carney’s North Sydney stint is over before it began after he refused to pay former club Northern Pride the $15,000 release fee they demanded before the June 30 transfer deadline.

Carney signed a contract with the Bears for the remainder of the 2018 season in May in a bid to return to football in Sydney. Norths defied South Sydney in doing so, jeopardising an 11-year relationship that still has a further season to run of its contract.

Todd Carney's Bears stint appears over before it began. Credit:AAP

Another sticking point was the compensation costs demanded by the Pride, who had signed the controversial playmaker on a three-year deal. The Bears refused to pay the fee and it was hoped a release could be brokered between Carney’s management and the Queensland Cup side before the transfer window closed.

However, the money remains unpaid, effectively blocking the controversial playmaker from continuing his career elsewhere.