McCarthy played for the Northern Pride in the Queensland Cup, before returning to the top flight in Europe with Hull Kingston Rovers.

McCarthy was born in Warrington, Cheshire, England, with his family hailing from Clonality, County Cork, Ireland.

Following a season-ending injury to captain Terry Campese, McCarthy was named as the acting captain for the remainder of the year and led the team out at Wembley Stadium for the 2015 Challenge Cup Final, which Hull Kingston Rovers lost 50–0 to Leeds.

[9] On 7 September 2015 it was announced that Tyrone McCarthy signed for the St. George Illawarra Dragons on a two-year deal beginning in 2016.

[10] In September 2016, McCarthy was named as a second-row in the 2016 Intrust Super Premiership NSW Team of the Year.