So when he jumped on the scales this week and discovered he was finally back to last year's playing weight, the Canberra Raiders winger couldn't hide his excitement.

After blowing out to as heavy as 109kg, Carney said dropping back to 97kg was a big leap forward in his journey back to the NRL.

''I'm pretty happy about that,'' Carney said. ''I've been working hard on my diet and my fitness.

''I think that's half the reason why the recovery has taken so long.

''I was doing upper body weights flat out and I was too heavy up top.

''It was a contributing factor to not coming back at my best, I should have been 10kg lighter rather than 10kg heavier.''

Making playing weight by February is something most NRL players are simply expected to achieve.

But for Carney it is another indication he is finally on the path to total recuperation.

The 21-year-old speedster has made dramatic improvements in his recovery over the past three weeks.

He's lost 6kg, is running at 90per cent capacity and has regained his lightning off-the-mark speed.

Carney said he was on target to resume full training within three weeks, with a round four return to the field within his grasp.

For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times