Parramatta Eels win bidding war for Josh Addo-Carr, sacked Bulldogs star agrees terms to two-year contract

Josh Addo-Carr is set to return to the NRL in 2025, with the sacked Bulldogs flyer agreeing to terms on a two-year deal with a western Sydney club.

Parramatta have won the bidding war for Josh Addo-Carr with the sacked Bulldogs star securing his NRL future with the Eels.

This masthead can reveal Addo-Carr has agreed terms on a two-year contract after successful high-powered talks with his management and Eels hierarchy on Thursday night.

Addo-Carr was heavily linked with the Dragons and the former NSW Origin star was expected to head to the Red V next season.

But the Eels have got their man in what represents the first major signing of rookie coach Jason Ryles’ new regime at Parramatta.

The Eels plan to formally announce Addo-Carr’s signing in the coming days.

As revealed by this masthead, the ‘Fox’ 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.

Josh Addo-Carr has agreed terms with the Eels after being sacked by the Bulldogs in October. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Addo-Carr still had to prove himself to the Parramatta board that he would not be a risky signing and 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 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 Fox 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.

“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.”

Originally published as Parramatta Eels win bidding war for Josh Addo-Carr, sacked Bulldogs star agrees terms to two-year contract