Penrith coach Matt Elliott says Dally M winner Todd Carney was always destined for great things in the NRL.

Elliott, who coached Carney for three first grade seasons while both were at Canberra, has always been a fan of the talented Goulburn product.

But the coach said it was simply a matter of getting the best out of Carney's precocious talent and giving him the right environment to become a leader.

"I've known Toddy since he was 15 and I'm just so happy for him," Elliott said of the Sydney Roosters five-eighth on Wednesday.

"And just seeing his mum there last night was a great moment, I loved it."

Carney was sacked by Canberra in 2008 and suspended from the NRL for one year following numerous alcohol-related indiscretions, but Elliott said Carney's turnaround was a "fantastic story".

"He's always been a leader," said Elliott.

"He was always destined to be like that.

"Sometimes making mistakes and doing things that you're not so proud of are the strongest lessons that you ever get in life."

He also admitted he felt some of the things written about Carney during his low periods were "a little unnecessary".

"That's me being slightly biased I guess," Elliott said.

"(But) I can't think of too many moments in my life that I regret that didn't have alcohol involved in it, so I don't think Todd is any different to us."

Elliott said Carney has every right to feel proud of himself after fulfilling one of rugby league's great comeback stories.

"I really care for him and I'm just so happy for him, I really am," he added.

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