Eels winger Josh Addo-Carr may have survived the axe at Parramatta after his drug-driving B sample returned a negative result, however, in a bombshell twist, he has likely still played his last game for the club.
Addo-Carr is currently able to negotiate with rival clubs as he has entered the final year of his two-year deal.
But after meeting with coach Jason Ryles this week, the flyer was told he would not be offered a new deal and the club would let him go immediately if another club takes on his contract.
The decision was made in the wake of Addo-Carr being cleared to return to the Eels by the NRL integrity unit and was confirmed in a statement on Thursday.
“The club has informed Josh and his management that it will not be seeking to extend his current contract beyond the end of the 2027 season,” the Eels said in a statement on Thursday.
“Following these discussions, Josh and the club have mutually agreed that it is in his best interests to immediately explore opportunities elsewhere to give Josh the best opportunity to secure his future.
“The club will continue to support Josh as he considers his next opportunity.”
Parramatta has added Knights winger James Schiller to their roster for next season, and he is expected to get the first crack on the left wing, if Addo-Carr leaves as expected. While Jack Bostock and Bradman Best are major targets for 2028.
The former Test and NSW State of Origin winger has been a prolific tryscorer since making his debut for the Tigers a decade ago, crossing the line 167 tries in 224 games in the NRL.
And despite Addo Carr’s NRL pedigree, clubs can pick him up at a discounted rate.
It is understood the winger is on just $450,000 a season at the Eels after he was picked up on the back of his contract being terminated by the Bulldogs over a positive roadside drug test.
Originally published as Eels make huge call on Josh Addo-Carr as NRL rivals put on notice