Josh Addo-Carr cleared in roadside test before Eels meeting
Parramatta winger Josh Addo-Carr’s second result from a roadside drugs test has come back negative, just hours before he is scheduled to front the Eels board about his future.
Addo-Carr allegedly tested positive to cocaine at a random police roadside test in September. However, police on Monday informed him that the second test result provided a result for no drugs, meaning there will be no further action from police.
The development comes amid speculation that Addo-Carr was poised to be sacked at Parramatta headquarters tonight, where he is scheduled to address Eels directors.
With players poised to return to pre-season training, the Eels were keen the matter to a head. To that end, Addo-Carr has been to provide his version of events. Now, it appears that a career that appeared over could resume with the blue and golds.
The premiership-winning winger is a popular member of the club on and off the field. Addo-Carr has scored 27 tries since joining Parramatta last year.
Addo-Carr is expected to be accompanied by lawyer Elias Tabchouri and agent Marcel Tartak when he fronts directors this afternoon. The former Storm star was sacked after providing a positive roadside test while employed at Canterbury over a separate incident.
If Addo-Carr had been guilty of a second incident, it would have resulted in an automatic 12-game suspension.
Addo-Carr, who lost a sponsorship deal with automotive firm JAC, spent about a month in a rehabilitation centre to deal with off-field issues.
The Eels were already making contingency plans. They had been in discussions with Melbourne centre Jack Howarth, but have opted to abandon those negotiations. They have also been linked to Penrith’s Blaize Talagi, but if there is to be any pursuit it will be for 2028 due to his Achilles injury.
Newcastle winger James Schiller is a potential signing for 2027, while Bradman Best and Jack Bostock have been linked to the Eels for the following year.
Replies
Honestly it's the same for any drug test the roadside test is screening, likely but not specific for any drug. You actually need specific detection and a calculable amount for confirmatory evidence. Whether that is the drug, or its metabolites depends on the drug and timeline.
I think he'll now get off scott free without any fines or suspensions. Heard his lawyer said he entered rehabilitation for mental health reasons which is plausible, and now Addo-Carr will start pre season training.
There is absolutely nothing the NRL or Parramatta can hold him to. Parramatta will release a statement that Josh maintained his innocence throughout the process, and the Club commends Josh for his proactive approach to his personal well-being over the off-season, including his voluntary time spent in a rehabilitation and wellness facility.
This will be sorted in a day or two
You team list guys can now add him into our starting 13 for Vegas.
Ill say one thing, Josh will no doubt be on the leash in Vegas lol. He'll have a minder 24/7 🥰😂
Bring on Los Vegas
I'm really pleased the Fox's B sample proved negative.
Parra no longer have a legal leg to stand on attempting to rip up his contract or ask him to move on. Morally...we'll fuck morally. At the end of the day he didnt harm anyone.
Everyone loves him, he's a brilliant player, on- field leader and does great community work. From what I've heard he's easily the fans favorite. His laugh is contagious and he brings a fun vibe to the team.
James Schiller is a decent back up but he's not worthy to even shine the Fox's boots.Let's not forget before he was busted his name was in the mix for the Australian squad. He was in contention for NSW selection too.
My guess is that the Eels might face a wrongful termination case if they sacked JAC strictly on grounds of breach of contract due to out-of-season illicit drug use? By law JAC is NOT guilty of drug use. The roadside test has a higher false positive rate than the B sample and thus JAC cannot be charged with driving with an illicit substance present in his system. Hence, the grounds for the Eels' breach notice just evaporated?
Note this is not to assert JAC did not take cocaine etc etc. He admitted himself to rehab so he is acknowledging some issue. But if being guilt of a second illicit drugs offense is the ground for the NRL's automatic 12-match suspension and thus the Eels' breach notice, then then the negative B sample removes the grounds for the suspension and lessens the cause for a breach notice?
That could be right Daz, but my concern is that he took cocaine in the first place albiet a minute chance (2-5% wrong reading) which is not heard of very often. The common sense in me says the club will look at all avenues. As others have said he was probably on the way down...then the rehab? Mental health reasons...again I am a sceptic. If this was a reserve grader I feel we would not be as keen to hold onto.
It just leaves a bad taste ( no pun) for me anyway as he came to us from previous issues; and it says a bit for his respect for the club. The images of him walking into the club with some religious book also makes this into a show....
Apparently JAC's book is an easy to read version of the Bible designed for prison inmates, which is advertised as designed to "release you from addiction, anger, depression, worry, and fear".
I guess, given JAC a) went silent after the arrest, and b) checked himself into a rehab facility, the negative B sample could mean one of two things. One, he got lucky; had consumed, but while that was detected in the roadside saliva test it declined enough for the later blood test. Two, roadside test was a false positive or blood test results were below threshold.
No idea which one applies to JAC but carrying a "fix your life" book about and self-admitting to rehab suggests JAC knows change is needed? At that point, we're talking about one of the fastest wingers in the game and one of the better defensive wingers and the Eels' most dangerous outside back being committed to being the best version of himself? At that point keep him and support him and let him rip on the wing?
I feel this is far from over just yet as his B sample is for police matters.
What if He already admitted to parra management or coach of events that occurred that night.
Management may have alot more information about that night than we think or know.
If thats the case B sample is irrelevant.
If Parramatta and Ryles knows the full truth and that JAC actually did drive with cocaine in his system, seeing as though the B sample was negative, they turn a blind eye to keep him. Their hands aren't tied as to the public, he is not guilty of anything. If only Parra know the truth, that is how it will stay. The issue would be if the NRL themselves know the same information.
Unless hand is forced or truth is public knowledge, teams usually turn a blind eye.
Off to play for the Storm in 27
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