Cronulla had to make the agonising decision to get rid of their star playmaker, Todd Carney, after he was embroiled in another controversy, this time a lewd photo that went viral.

The NRL's salary cap changes, which were announced a month ago, will not take effect in time to benefit the embattled Sharks. However, clubs are less likely to tolerate abhorrent behaviour from next year, knowing the funds allocated for terminated players can be spent rebuilding their roster.

Under the new system, if a player is terminated after, say, 10 games, he will receive his payments for those appearances. The club can then apply to the NRL to use the rest of his salary to buy a replacement for the rest of the season. If the player's dismissal is after June 30, the club is not permitted to buy or register a replacement for the year. However, it can use that money to upgrade or extend the deal of a contracted player it wishes to retain.

"We have already changed the salary cap rules from 2015 to ensure that any club which terminates a player for misbehaviour is not penalised," NRL chief operating officer Jim Doyle said.

"We hope this provision does not have to be used because we don’t want players doing anything which brings the game into disrepute.

"But the clubs will have our total support if they decided to terminate a player who damages the image of the game."

Under the "no dickheads policy", players can be terminated only in consultation with the integrity unit to ensure clubs do not abuse the rule to get rid of underperformers.

"[Offensive] behaviour is just not going to be tolerated," Doyle said.

"If the clubs work through the integrity unit, they will be able to apply for salary cap relief if they terminate any player whose behaviour brings the game into disrepute."

Carney has now been sacked by three NRL clubs – Canberra, Sydney Roosters and Cronulla – leaving him at the crossroads at the age of 28. It is unlikely he will be able to gain a visa to play in the English Super League, and his most likely destination is a foreign rugby club. However, he will not be able to command the sort of money he was on at the Sharks, a deal worth more than $3 million.

The Sharks and the NRL have vowed not to abandon him amid concerns for his welfare. Rugby League Players' Association president Clint Newton said the union remained in touch with the former Origin star to ensure he received any assistance required.

"We're certainly very mindful of Todd's welfare and we'll offer as much support is as needed in as much as he wants to engage us," Newton said.

"There's certainly a role for us to play there. We've certainly made contact and our team is offering as much support as possible."

The Sharks, who are without a coach after caretaker Peter Sharp resigned during the week, remain in the market for a high-profile replacement. They have named rookie Fa’amanu Brown at No.6 for Saturday's clash with defending premiers, the Roosters, at Allianz Stadium.