The Robins wanted to sign the former Canberra, Roostes and Cronulla five-eighth at the start of 2018 for its return to Super League.

But Carney knocked back a deal at KCOM Craven Park to try and make his way back to the NRL.

However, that plan has failed after the North Sydney Bears declined to pay a $15,000 release fee to sign the playmaker from the Northern Pride.

Hull KR have offered Carney a lifeline back to Super League for the rest of this season and he has taken it.

"I gave Todd his test debut with Australia in 2010 and everybody knows he’s a talented halfback," Robins coach Tim Sheens said.

"It’s an area where we’ve been short all year and we’ve had to use all sorts of people there, which we don’t want to have to continue with.

"Todd’s arrival gives us some extra strength in depth and an insurance policy in the pivotal positions, particularly with Chris Atkin’s ability to also play at either hooker or full back.

"The combination of players we now have across the spine of the team gives us cover in key positions because we can’t afford to be weakened in those areas in any of the crucial games we have coming up.

“There’s still at least 11 rounds left so there’s a lot of footy to be played and we want to be sure that if we do have an issue with our pivots that we have some depth and experience in there.

“Todd’s played in this competition before, he’s used to these systems and he’s used to the stadiums and the supporters, so hopefully he can hit the ground running once he arrives.

“He’s got a great kicking game, nice running skills and he’s a very clever player. He plays mainly as a second receiver but like Danny (McGuire) and Chris he likes the ball in his hands. He’s a stand-off by what we call it over here and he finds a way to win matches.

"He’s just a class player that can come up with a big play at a crucial time.”

The 32-year-old has played one Test for Australia and three State of Origin games for NSW.

He spent two seasons with Catalans in the south of France, before a stint last year with the Salford