He was just 18 when he linked with Tuggeranong Vikings as his goal was to work his way into the Brumbies' Super Rugby team.

And while he had a hell of a time competing at the nation's capital, life has led him back to his hometown.

He and his partner welcomed a new child into the world recently and want to raise him around friends and family.

Rugby Union had always been his sport of choice but before he moved back to the region, Carberry spent a bit of time training with Mounties in the New South Wales Cup and from that at moment on, he knew he wanted to play the 13-man code.

So, the next step for Carberry was an obvious one... reach out to Mudgee's premiere rugby league club.

With just two days until the Dragons' Premier League opener against Lithgow Workies, Carberry has established himself as one of the most promising players on the roster.

According to the likes of Sebastian Flack and Harry Siejka, Carberry has been training the house down and was a standout during a trial match at Coogee.

Whether its Wombats, Vikings, Mounties or Dragons, Carberry has a passion for competing.

"I just love footy," Carberry said. "I did a bit of training with Mounties before I moved back and I knew I wanted to see the year out playing rugby league."

Versatility is one of Carberry's strengths, but with an injury to regular hooker Jack Beasley, it appears as though he'll slot into the number nine jersey.

"I want to be an organiser and a leader... I like being in the middle of the field," he said.

"I feel comfortable in that position but I really feel like I can play anywhere.\

"Beasley's a good mate of mine and it's pretty upsetting to see he won't play for most of the season... he's a fantastic player."

Carberry has been lapping up the tutelage of players like Jack Littlejohn and Harry Siejka, both of whom have spent time playing at pinnacle of the sport.

"Having people around you who have been at the top of the game can really motivate you," he said.

"I can really start to see the combinations coming together between Jack [Littlejohn], Harry [Siejka] and myself."

Tony Luchetti Sportsground will be the destination for Dragons' opener and Carberry knows it won't be an easy tall to kick things off.

"You can never go into a game thinking it's going to be a walk in the park, it's more about who turns up on the day," he said.

"Our goal this year to win the grand final, but our biggest enemy is probably ourselves. If we back ourselves and work hard like we have been, hopefully we can win it."

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