Josh Addo-Carr may not have a contract in 2028, but the winger reportedly is not worried by the possibility of his NRL career wrapping up at the end of next season.
The Parramatta Eels have left the door open for Addo-Carr to play out his contract at the club, having been investigated by the NRL integrity unit following a false-positive result for cocaine in a roadside drug test in Newtown in September.
Josh Addo-Carr in action for the Parramatta Eels. NRL Images
Parramatta confirmed all investigations into Addo-Carr’s actions had ended, with their player spending a month in rehab before fronting the board to tell his story.
After the investigation the club still had no interest in keeping him beyond his current deal.
The Eels had seemingly already made moves to replace Addo-Carr after it was revealed his first test allegedly returned a positive result, with the club linked to Kangaroos Test duo Bradman Best and Jack Bostock.
Addo-Carr is expected to return to training with the Eels next week, but his return may not happen if his manager is to secure him a deal elsewhere.
Senior rugby league journalist Paul Kent reported on his podcast with The Fanatics, that Addo-Carr is looking to spend one more year in the NRL and wants to do so at a club where he can show his worth.
“I don’t think this is going to be so much about salary and the rest of it,” Kent said.
“I think he just wants to go out and have a real solid crack … and leave the game with a good taste in his mouth.”
Kent was unsure where Addo-Carr could end up, although he was aware that two of his former clubs, Wests Tigers and the Melbourne Storm were interested in his services.
Both clubs have yet to make any official play for his services as of yet.
The Storm will also have to consider the list of wingers available at the club already, including Xavier Coates, Moses Leo and Jamayne Isaako. Bronson Xerri and Adam Pompey can also shift from the centres to the wing if need be.
South Sydney has also been mooted as a possible landing site for Addo-Carr, but the Rabbitohs may struggle to find the money for him, especially if they prioritise an audacious play for the signature of premiership-winning halfback Sam Walker.
Any immediate move away from the Eels will likely involve a conversation to find out if Parramatta has an appetite to pay part of Addo-Carr’s salary in 2027.
Addo-Carr has not publicly commented on any contract talks.