Carney signed a new three-year contract with Wigan in May 2003, ending speculation that had been linking him with a move to Irish rugby union. After signing the deal, Carney commented: "I love it here at Wigan. I never wanted to play for any other club. "I just want to get better and better each week and keep my place in the first team. The spirit and friendship at this club is brilliant and I need to be part of it." His arrival at Wigan was initially hampered by injury but when he did break into the team, he was impressive. Carney played for the Wigan Warriors on the wing in the 2003 Super League Grand Final which was lost to the Bradford Bulls. He'd forced himself into the Great Britain team for the 2003 Ashes series. Carney made his GB and Ireland début in the First Test played at the JJB Stadium, becoming the first Irishman to play for Great Britain and Ireland since Tom McKinney in 1957. In that match Carney scored two tries and was later named Great Britain and Ireland's player of the series. Carney was selected for the 2003 Origin match after opting to play for Lancashire. He was also included in the 2003 Super League 'Dream Team' and the 2003 Rugby League World magazine World XIII, and voted BBC North West's Rugby League Footballer of the Year in the same season.