Cardey began his career in New Zealand with North Harbour, but suffered a broken leg in his first season and sought a move to Wales, where a former opposition coach, Graham Henry, was leading the national team.
[6] His highlight against Scotland was a try-saving tackle on Chris Paterson,[7] but before the final game against Ireland, Cardey was ruled out with a concussion after being knocked out while playing for Llanelli against Newport.
[12] He missed the start of the 2001–02 season with a broken wrist,[13] but found a new role in the team as a centre, following the emergence of young full-back Barry Davies.
In November 2001, in a brief return to the #15 jersey for a Heineken Cup match against Amatori & Calvisano, Cardey scored a competition record five tries in a 93–14 win for Llanelli.
That summer, he was believed to have been offered a contract with the newly formed Llanelli Scarlets regional side, but instead opted to move to Leeds Tykes.