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
Well said Captain. Agree with you completely.
Don't forget the Dogs didn't sack him because of the cocaine. They sacked him because he lied to Gus. And they were also trying to create some room in their salary cap. It was convenient for them and they had the perfect excuse.
Like you said, Captain, we're not trying to clear space in our cap and releasing him would create more roster problems. The reality is that if you're a good player and your upside is better than your downside, you'll always have a contract in the NRL.
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.
Seem's that he did not have any sophisticated legal support first time round with the dogs..... first thing i said is get a top Barrister to see what holes he can find in the arrest and test process.
You would think his manager would be on to this.
What are you on about 😂. Legal support for what ? To challenge a contract term that he signed ?
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.
What the NRL decides could force the hand of the new CEO.
They are not sure if JAC will wait til his 2nd sample before clarifying his future. Well I mean Parra are in a tough spot as if they sack him and it returns negative, that is a bad look. So we won't be doing anything til that 2nd sample is back. Even though it is like 5-10% chance that the 2nd sample is different.
If they plan on keeping ado Carr I'd be signing Sloan to start the season as cover. We can't enter the season with no backup on wings. Let's see how it plays out I guess
They should be signing Sloan either way, we need backs and we currently don't even have a back up fullback with Joash leaving who is first grade ready.
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