WITH no shortage of former NRL stars strutting their stuff overseas, we take a look at which homegrown talents are killing it abroad.

This week it was Todd Carney making headlines, both on the field and off it.

Carney says NRL fans lack passion

Todd Carney has used his first column in Rugby League World to take a parting shot at the NRL, saying fans lack passion compared to the Super League.

Carney will be a regular columnist for the English league mag during his stint at Catalans, in a competition he believes has many things the NRL should aspire to emulate.

“There is a better atmosphere over here,” Carney wrote.

Todd Carney thanks Sharks fans after an NRL game last year. Source: News Limited

“Everything is right in your face as there is a much shorter distance between the fans and the players.

“... I had spoken to other NRL imports about it and they all mentioned the crowds, but it still took me by surprise.”

Carney was also complimentary of the banter opposition fans incorporate in their songs, which he has become a regular target of.

“I guess the crowds have got a lot to sing about me after what has gone on in my career,” Carney admitted.

“I think the biggest difference between fans in the NRL and Super League is passion — over here everyone sings for the full 80 minutes and it’s fantastic to be part of it.

“When Leeds Rhinos came over, for example, their fans were singing and dancing in the corner with their shirts off. It would be great to see that level of enthusiasm in the NRL — it would spark the game up a little bit, I’m certain — though I doubt it would happen.”

Todd Carney believes NRL fans don’t show enough passion. Source: News Limited

It wasn’t just the fans and the atmosphere generated from the stands in the Super League that got a glowing review from Carney, who said the whole game day experience was a step up from what’s on offer in the NRL.

“Another trick I believe the NRL is missing is mascots,” he wrote.

“We always walk onto the pitch with a child in Super League and I think it’s a great way of inspiring the next generation.

“If that had been me growing up and walking out with someone like Laurie Daley — I was always a Raiders fan — I know I would have been delighted.

“... I think the entire procedure of starting the game is better over here.”

Todd’s triumphant return spoils Tilse arrival

It hasn’t been a happy start to Carney’s Catalans career on the field with several injury setbacks stalling his introduction to the Super League.

After breaking ribs in a brutal hit from Lama Tasi Carney returned on the weekend to inspire his side to a much-needed victory over Hull KR, who gave Dane Tilse his first start less than a week after he played his last game for the Raiders.

Dane Tilse had a quick turnaround from his last game for the Raiders to his Super League debut. Source: Getty Images

Catalans’ 32-24 home win pulled them clear of the bottom four, with Carney playing a hand in several of the Dragons’ tries, while Albert Kelly featured heavily as the Robins mounted a late comeback.

The loss wasn’t the way Tilse wanted to start his Super League career but it was a phenomenal effort just to get on the field less than a week after boarding a flight from Australia on Monday, following his round seven farewell win for the Raiders.

Morley reveals best teammates

After a long rugby league career in both the NRL and the Super League, Adrian Morley has revealed a Morley XIII, featuring the best teammates he has played with over his career.

Perhaps surprisingly, given Morley played in a dominant Roosters side in the early 2000s, just four of his Bondi mates made the cut.

Brad Fittler, Craig Fitzgibbon, Anthony Minichiello and Quentin Pongia were the four to make the cut, with the rest of the side filled out by Morley’s teammates from past Great Britain sides as well as Leeds and Salford clubmates.

Craig Fitzgibbon and Brad Fittler both made Adrian Morley’s best teammates XIII. Source: News Limited

The full team named by Morley was: Anthony Minichiello (Roosters) Jason Robinson (Great Britain), Kevin Iro (Leeds), Paul Newlove (Great Britain), Martin Offiah (Great Britain), Brad Fittler (Roosters), Rangi Chase (Salford) Jamie Peacock (Great Britain), Keiron Cunningham (Great Britain), Quentin Pongia (Roosters), Craig Fitzgibbon (Roosters), Paul Sculthorpe (Great Britain), Ellery Hanley (Leeds).

Gallen on his way to Leeds

The rumour mill linking Paul Gallen to a move to the Super League at the end of this season has ramped up, with Rugby League World column Wiskar’s World linking the NSW captain with a move to Leeds.

“(Gallen) admitted his agent has spoken to a couple of English clubs. Rhinos have money to splash with front-rower Jamie Peacock and skipper Kevin Sinfield both in their final season at the club. And if Gallen’s not a marquee signing, who is?” asked the column.

Walsh stars in Saints win

Former Penrith halfback Luke Walsh has just returned after nine months out of the game with a broken leg but already he’s hitting form, spearheading St Helens to a much-needed 34-16 win over Widnes.

Making his first start of the season, Walsh’s performance was given rave reviews as the 27-year-old scored a try and laid on two others for fellow former Panther Travis Burns and Alex Walmsley.