Carney has told Searle and coach John Cartwright that he wants to spend more time with his family and return home to complete his university studies in commercial law.
  
"I have made this decision with a heavy heart and it has been a difficult decision for me to make," Carney said in a statement.
  
"But I dearly want to get home to my family and I couldn't act like a fraud by taking the club's money, but I knew in my heart I couldn't see the year out."
  
In an attempt to stop rumours of a return of the English Super League, Searle said Carney had requested that the Titans hold back a contractual release from his two-year deal.

Lockyer confident

Meanwhile, Australian captain Darren Lockyer has said he is likely to play for the Brisbane Broncos in next month’s World Club Challenge against St Helens.

Voted the world’s best player of 2006 is believed to be recovering well from wrist surgery and is planning to take his place in February 23 clash.

The NRL premiers are said to be aiming to name a full strength side if the club’s seven internationals come through their pre-season unscathed.

The captain says his side is desperate to atone for their 2001 loss to the Saints when they relinquished a 18-4 lead to lose 20-18.

"We want to learn from our past mistakes," the champion Broncos stand-off said Tuesday.
  
"We got beaten in 2001 and this year we want to make sure (we) don't leave any stone unturned.
  
"As long as everyone is fit before we leave on February 13, we'll be as strong as we can be."
  
Lockyer underwent surgery after completing a stellar 2006 season when he led the Broncos to the National Rugby League title, Queensland to the State of Origin crown and Australia to Tri-Nations glory over Great Britain and New Zealand.