Eels Won’t Extend Josh Addo-Carr Beyond 2027, Allow Early Exit
Parramatta will not stand in Josh Addo-Carr's way if he finds a long-term deal elsewhere, after telling the winger it will not extend his contract beyond 2027. The Eels met him on Wednesday following a cleared roadside drug test in September.
Parramatta Eels have told winger Josh Addo-Carr they will not extend his contract beyond the 2027 season, and the club will not stop him leaving immediately if he finds a long-term deal elsewhere. It is a fresh Addo-Carr twist that follows a meeting between the player and club officials on Wednesday.
Addo-Carr met Eels officials, including coach Jason Ryles, to discuss his future. The talks came after he returned a false-positive result for cocaine at a random police roadside test in September. Both the NRL and the club cleared him to return next season.
Agent given permission to look elsewhere
Addo-Carr's management was told he would not be offered a new deal after 2027. His agent then asked for permission to scout alternative options. The parties agreed Parramatta would not block an immediate exit if he secured a long-term contract with a rival.
He can also stay put. Addo-Carr has the option of seeing out the final year of his Eels deal next season.
The club issued a statement. "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. They added that both sides had "mutually agreed that it is in his best interests to immediately explore opportunities elsewhere".
"The club will continue to support Josh as he considers his next opportunity," the statement said.
Cleared after second test
The 31-year-old's future had been clouded by the roadside result. He will resume his career after a second oral fluid sample came back negative. Canterbury had previously sacked him over a positive roadside drugs test, but the NRL integrity unit cleared him to play after the latest incident.
The episode has still cost him. He lost a chance to be considered for Kangaroos World Cup selection, and almost $400,000 worth of personal sponsors have abandoned him.
Eels look to 2027 and 2028
Parramatta are already planning ahead. They are close to securing Knights winger James Schiller for 2027, while Jack Bostock and Bradman Best are targets for 2028.
Addo-Carr has scored 167 tries from 224 NRL games. He could add to that tally when the Eels open their 2027 season against the Titans at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
