From Adrian Proszemo at the Sydmey Morning Herald
Josh Addo-Carr’s management has pleaded with Parramatta not to terminate the winger’s contract after another alleged drugs drama, declaring the Kangaroos representative is prepared to do whatever is required to earn back the trust of those around him.
Addo-Carr’s career is again in the balance after he allegedly returned a positive indication for cocaine after being stopped for random testing on Enmore Road, Newtown on Friday night. A saliva sample was sent for further testing.
The premiership-winning winger had his Canterbury contract torn up after providing a positive roadside test while employed by the Bulldogs in 2024.
“Josh is not perfect, and he has made mistakes,” his management firm, Crown Sports International, said in a statement.
“We also know how much Josh loves the Parramatta Eels. He greatly values his relationship with head coach Jason Ryles, his teammates and everyone at the club. Josh would love nothing more than to continue his recovery, earn back the trust of those around him and have the opportunity to play for Parramatta again next season.”
The Eels threw Addo-Carr a lifeline after his axing by the Bulldogs, and he ultimately earned a contract renewal. While he is contracted until the end of 2027, it remains to be seen whether he will be able to add to the 224 games and 167 tries he has notched in the NRL.
“But those mistakes should not erase the years he has spent giving his time to children and communities, proudly representing his culture, and bringing excitement and new supporters to rugby league. His contribution to the community and the game is genuine, substantial and worthy of recognition.
“Josh is currently in great hands and receiving professional care and support at the rehabilitation centre. His health, wellbeing and recovery remain the immediate priority.
The 31-year-old was selected in the Kangaroos train-on squad for the Rugby League World Cup, but it’s unclear if and when he will play professionally again.
It’s not known whether Addo-Carr intends to wait until the second sample comes back from police testing before seeking to clarify his future with the Eels.
Parramatta released Zac Lomax at the end of last season, and the club could be without another representative-class winger should this latest incident spell the end of Addo-Carr’s NRL career.
Replies
they need to sack him, not sacking him shows they have no standard and the culture they are trying to build is garbage. shows they have no idea how to get good players and are desperate and managers will hold them to ransom and force them to keep paying overs for aveage players. not a good look for the younger players and shows them they dont have standards, not a good culture at all.
Yeah man let's sack our best winger for no one, everyone in the game is on coke you want to sack the whole parra squad too?
It's not about taking Coke, it's about being caught with it in your system.
His community work was great apparently, so he does have some strong backing but lot of work to do to earn Ryles trust back I'd say
Hearing JAC’s been given a reprieve — Ryles will let him stay, but he’s gotta scoot into training every morning. Apparently, the scooter’s now the only thing he’s allowed to be charged with. 😂
Save the fox
This is all so predictably orchestrated.
He's done the first step and gone to rehab so he is out of the spotlight and can't get up to more mischief.
His management now work on his redemption arc, saying all of the charity he has done, how much he loves the game, how he wants to "give back".
This now sets the stage perfectly for the Eels to be "tough but fair" and say that since Fox owned his mistake and is working hard to be a better person we are a club who supports people to make positive change and we will give him "one shot, one opportunity" to prove that change has happened.
The reality?
So there's mutual benefit in sweeping this under the carpet. And that's why we're seeing this orchestrated dance play out in the media where JAC will get help, beg for forgiveness, the NRL and the Eels will be the supportive but firm "last strike" parent, and JAC will return from rehab and exile to play another season or two.
If we had a better option or salary cap issues, we would have fired him. We don't, so we're creating a situation where he can stay.
Predictable. Theatre. But probably works out best for everyone. Now FFS put a minder on JAC every second because he is definitely silly enough to do this again.
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