McCarthy, a Queensland junior representative, was a foundation player for the Gold Coast in the 1988 NSWRL season, coming off the bench in the team’s inaugural match, a 21-10 loss to the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at Seagulls Stadium.[2] Then known as Gold Coast-Tweed, the club was coached by his father, Australian former representative Bob McCarthy.[3]
From 1988 to 1993, McCarthy made 45 first-grade appearances for the Gold Coast, mostly as a centre and full-back.
During his time with the Gold Coast he also had a stint in England playing for Hull Kingston Rovers, in the 1991–92 Championship.[4]
He has an elder brother, Darren McCarthy, who played for South Sydney and Canterbury.
His coaching career includes a Queensland Cup premiership with the Tweed Heads Seagulls to 2007.