Parramatta are set to win a bidding war for Josh Addo-Carr with the sacked Bulldogs star on the verge of inking a deal with the Eels.
Addo-Carr has been heavily linked with the Dragons and the former NSW Origin star was expected to head to the Red V next season.
But, barring an unlikely 11th-hour contractual drama, the Eels have got their man in what represents the first major signing of rookie coach Jason Ryles’ new regime at Parramatta.
The Eels hope to formally announce Addo-Carr’s signing in the coming days.
As revealed by this masthead, the ‘Foxx’ had a one-on-one meeting with Ryles in the wake of his dismissal a fortnight ago by the Bulldogs following an incident in September, when he tested positive to cocaine after a roadside drug test.
Addo-Carr still had to prove himself to the Parramatta board that he would not be a risky signing and it appears the support of Ryles has convinced blue-and-gold powerbrokers.
Ryles has a history with Addo-Carr from their time at the Storm, when the new Eels mentor was an assistant to Melbourne super coach Craig Bellamy.
The two-year deal represents a lifeline that will give Addo-Carr an opportunity to hit back in 2025 as one of the fastest men in rugby league.
Addo-Carr’s impending move to the Eels reinvigorates a Parramatta backline that will have a new look next season.
The Eels have lost blockbusting winger Maika Sivo (Leeds) and boom utility back Blaize Talagi (Penrith), while inspirational skipper Clint Gutherson was given a release to seek a fresh start at the Dragons.
At 29, Addo-Carr could play another four or five years in the NRL and told this masthead a fortnight ago he would not be a liability for his future club.
“No matter where I go, I know I will bring value to the team,” he said.
“The hunger is still there.
“I’ve won premierships at Melbourne, I know what it takes and wherever I go I will bring that winning mentality.”
During his time in limbo, Addo-Carr has been working on a building site to stay fit and give him a self-confessed “reality check” as he fights to revive his decorated NRL career.
The Foxx would be a potential match-winner for the Eels with his speed, experience and title-winning pedigree.
Addo-Carr scoffed at suggestions his NRL career is over and is adamant he can be a game breaker for the Eels or any other prospective employer.
“Bloody oath I will be in the NRL next year,” he said.
“The love for footy and my hunger for footy is still there.
“It’s disappointing the way things panned out, but I have to cop it on the chin and I need to go back to what’s always worked for me and that’s working hard.
“It’s a bit like what the Melbourne Storm did for me when I went down there to play for them.
“The Storm taught me about being grateful, they said don’t ever lose touch with reality, so going back to work right now, it makes me grateful for what I’ve got.
“I’ve handled this pretty well. I’m keeping my mind busy and I’ve still got to put food on the table for my family and that’s what I plan to do.
“I know my time in the NRL will come again and when it does I will take it with both hands no matter where I go.”
Replies
I personally like this. 2 year deal on say 500k a year. Gives us experience. Gives time to let the likes of Aladeen, Richard penisini etc time to come into 1st grade.the fox has won plenty and played in a lot of big games. I just hope he can trim down a little and get some of that old speed back. He was a little to bulky last year for my liking.
1.longi
2.fox
3.lomax
4.penisini
5.Simmo.
The board and ryles have done wonders so far. Let's keep backing them
he wont be getting anywhere near 500k
What Mosses and Brown lacked was the vision to kick to his wingers or outside backs. Neither had much of a short kicking game. With the rushing defence, and both Lomax and Fox calling for it, I hope our halves work hard in the off season on this part of the game.
WTF ZIP???... What Moses and Brown lacked was wingers with the speed and game awareness to aim their kicks at.. watch this space...
Your right Archie (as usual) it seems in the land of the blind, someone with one eye is King until someone else with two eyes comes along!
Thing is too, Richie Penisini is the future after JAC too. Good to see a direction going forward with a future.
100% LB. JAC on a 2 year deal gives Richie, Martyn, Alamadine and AMS the 2 years they need to develop if they are going to make it to NRL. Big fan of the signing. Are 1-7 is starting to look good.
You then add May into the team and it looks even more promising. However, just a bit worried how another forward will limit the opportunity of our younger forwards.
Our backline, in 1 off season, will go
from the being the slowest, to being up there now... no way BA would have made these moves...
Bit harsh on BA. He wouldve got us Martin Taupau and Bunty Afoa. Gutho centre, Sean Russell fullback.
If he turns up...won't wear a playing jersey until round 4...
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