But that's exactly where the former NRL teammates met on Sunday afternoon, with Carney now calling Nyngan home again while Waddell is one of Wellington's marquee signings for the 2019 Group 11 season.

The reunion had been a long time coming as the pair had last played together for the Canberra Raiders in the NRL in 2009 and 2010.

They went their separate ways after that. Carney played for the Sydney Roosters before spending six years in the English Super League, while Waddell continued in the NRL with the Newcastle Knights and Brisbane Broncos until 2017 before returning to the Queensland Intrust Cup and playing with the Souths Logan Magpies.

RELATED:

- Group 11: Will Lousick's homecoming hat-trick leads Wellington Cowboys past Nyngan

The pair, now vital players for their respective Group 11 clubs, seemed to seek each other out early in Sunday's Group 11 round four game and there was a number of crunching hits between the two.

There was also plenty of chat between the former teammates during stoppages in play.

Waddell got the last laugh, his side storming home from an early 12-0 deficit to win 30-24, but Carney had nothing bad to say about his former teammate post-game.

"He's a lovely fella and I played a lot of time with him at the Raiders," Carney said.

"It's good to see the boof-head back here in the central west.

"I look forward to catching up with him during the season."

Carney has spoke at length already this season about how happy he is to be back home out west, and the Trangie product has proved a hugely popular figure since returning to the Tigers.

For Waddell the switch has been completely different, with the Queenslander admitting he never expected to end up playing bush footy in NSW after linking with the Cowboys.

Carney said that makes Waddell's presence in Group 11 all the better.

"It's good to see people of his calibre come out here," Carney said.

"He's not even from here so it's good of him to come out and give his time.

"Everyone in Group 11 should be pleased with that."