CRONULLA and NSW skipper Paul Gallen, said it was "harsh" for Carney to be sacked over the photo, and was not aware of his former Cronulla teammate's contractual agreements or previous offences.
Speaking at the NSW Blues State of Origin team announcement on Tuesday, Gallen said the decision was "out of my hands".
"I've got a lot of loyalty towards Todd but also a lot of loyalty towards the club," Gallen said.
"I'm not privileged to all the information about Todd's contract and what has happened in the past, this year and previous years.
"From all reports and everything that was told to us players [on Monday], the club was left with little choice and the NRL would have come over the top anyway.
"That is basically what I got out of the meeting."
Gallen said his main concern was the welfare of his close friend.
"The world is going to keep moving on and Todd has to as well," he said. "We want to make sure he does that in the right way and he gets his life sorted out — that Todd Carney as a person is OK.
"That's the most important thing to me and the rest of the boys at the club . . . The thing about Todd Carney, no matter what people think of him or how they judge him by what's happened or what has happened in the past, he's a really, really good person."
Carney has stated publicly in recent days that he was sorry and the stress it had caused his family and for the Sharks.
"It was just a prank. I didn't think there was a photo going to be taken," Carney said.
"I definitely didn't think there'd be a photo in the public (domain).
"As much as it's hurt Cronulla as a club and my career, it's hurt my pride and dignity as a person.
"It's hurt my Mum and sisters."
Carney has taken aim at Cronulla boss Steve Noyce over his sacking.
"It's hard to say if it's personal.
"He was my previous CEO at the Roosters who terminated my contract. If there was someone [else] who was in control, I don't think I would be sacked."
Do you agree with Gallen's comments?
