Former Dally M medalist Todd Carney has won a wrongful dismissal case against Cronulla within the NRL's appeals structure, according to reports.

News Limited newspapers report that appeals committee chairman Ian Callinan QC found that the Sharks failed to observe due process before dismissing Carney when a photograph of him attempting to urinate in his own mouth - known as 'bubbling' - appeared on Instagram last year.

Headline maker: Todd Carney. Credit:Getty Images

Cronulla were found to have erred by not allowing Carney, now with Super League club Catalans, to plead his case before the board before sacking the NRL star.

It is uncertain what the finding will mean for Cronulla and Carney. The 28-year-old is currently out with a rib injury suffered in his second Super League appearance and has said he would like to one day return to the NRL.