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
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.
The corporate UBER seems like a good idea to me........see my blog Cappy.
I wonder where we would all be if he had contested the initial offence when he was at the dogs (the police didn't follow the correct procedure due to being called to attend some kind of emergency). All that initial support Gus gave him publicly, if he had the evidence tested by going to trial to my thinking he would have got off and still be at the dogs. I'm not sure that we owe Josh anything because he obviously hasn't learnt from his previous mistakes. If this illicit drug use is so widespread amongst nrl players why aren't law enforcement agencies and WADA doing something about it? When you look at how things have played out for Josh there seems to be little deterent. If he remains at the eels there needs to be some kind of discussion over his contract value.
I don't think they should sack him. If he did it during the season, then yes. I think it was a good excuse to cut him at the Dogs to free up his salary, not because of any high moral ground.
Really up to the NRL and any suspension they hand down, and what Ryles and the new CEO think.
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