The Eels and Rabbitohs will both be without key personnel to start the NRL season, with Josh Addo-Carr and Jai Arrow ruled out in recent days. Parramatta announced on Monday night that Addo-Carr fractured his thumb in the Eels’ pre-season game against the Roosters on Saturday night, and has since undergone surgery.
The speedster winger, who has played 15 State of Origin games for NSW and 10 Tests for Australia, will miss the first three rounds of the NRL season. Addo-Carr posted an image of himself in hospital on Monday night after the surgery, after he was seen icing his thumb during the game against the Roosters.
Josh Addo-Carr (L) and Jai Arrow (R) are both out. Image: Getty
His absence will be a blow for Jason Ryles’ side, with many predicting a much-improved season in 2026. It opens up a spot on the left wing for the Eels, likely to be filled by Bailey Simonsson.
With Zac Lomax departing in the off-season, Sean Russell will likely be on the other wing. Addo-Carr will miss games against the Storm, Broncos and Dragons, before an expected return in Round 4 against the Panthers.
Josh Addo-Carr was seen icing his thumb and has now undergone surgery. Image: Josh Addo-Carr/Fox League
Jai Arrow out for indefinite period for Souths
Meanwhile, the Rabbitohs will also be missing a key State of Origin player to start the season. Souths announced over the weekend that Jai Arrow requires “further investigations” into a long-term shoulder injury.
Somewhat concerningly, the Rabbitohs said there’s no timeline for a return for Arrow at this stage. The 30-year-old has played 12 Origin games for Queensland and is a vital cog of Wayne Bennett’s forward pack. With David Fifita joining and Cameron Murray back to full fitness, the Rabbitohs are also expected to improve in 2026.
Jai Arrow has been battling a shoulder injury for some time.
(Cameron Spencer via Getty Images)
But they’ll be without Arrow and Jamie Humphreys to start the season. Humphreys is banned for the first two games after copping a suspension for a hip-drop tackle in the final round last year. Jonah Glover was shaping as his replacement at halfback, but he broke his jaw in the Charity Shield against the Dragons.
Ashton Ward played halfback in the Bunnies’ win over Manly on Sunday. With Jayden Sullivan battling an infection, it looks like Ward will partner Cody Walker in the halves when Souths open their regular season against the Dolphins on March 8.