NRL: Phil Gould rubbishes suggestions Josh Addo-Carr could flourish at fullback
Melbourne Storm superstar Josh Addo-Carr has voiced his desire to don the No. 1 jersey, but Phil Gould has suggested there is a hidden motive.
NRL
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Rugby league great Phil Gould has rubbished suggestions Melbourne Storm star Josh Addo-Carr could shift into the fullback position, warning there is a hidden motive behind the move.
Following Thursday’s comprehensive victory over the Sydney Roosters, Addo-Carr revealed he was eager to reignite his career by becoming a fullback. The 25-year-old has played most of his professional career on the wing, including during stints for the New South Wales Blues and Australia.
“I’ve thought about that the last couple of months,” Addo-Carr told the Sydney Morning Herald.
“I wouldn’t mind challenging myself. I played fullback in under 20s and all of my junior footy, too.
“I’ve achieved a lot of things in a short amount of time that I am extremely grateful for, but I’d love that challenge to try to start a new chapter in my footy career.”
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However, Gould believes Addo-Carr has been influenced by newly-signed agent Mario Tartak to push for the position change.
According to the former NSW Blues coach, fullbacks generally earn a higher salary in the NRL, and it would therefore be in Addo-Carr’s interest to aspire for the No. 1 jersey during his hunt for a new club. The Blacktown-born speedster is reportedly eager to sign with a Sydney-based club next season.
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“Every month, player managers send clubs their list of players available,” Gould told Wide World of Sports’ Final Whistle.
“They list them by position. There’s never a winger on the list; they’re always a centre or fullback.
“Why is that? Because centres and fullbacks get more money.
“Fullbacks get a lot of money, so if you’re going to sell yourself, sell yourself as a fullback.”
Despite the monetary benefits, Gould was not eager for Addo-Carr to move away from the wing, where he has scored 67 tries in 86 appearances for the Storm.
“I don’t want to see him play fullback, he’s a winger,” Gould said.
“I know he’s had a desire to come to Sydney for some time and he would be a good pick-up.
“He’s a try scorer, he’s a matchwinner, he’s a match-saver, he’s an Origin-class player, he’s a terrific footballer — but he’s not a fullback.”
NRL stars Valentine Holmes and Latrell Mitchell both made their first appearance at fullback this season after previously excelling in other positions.
Coming off eight consecutive victories, Melbourne will next face the Parramatta Eels in a blockbuster Thursday evening clash at Bankwest Stadium.
Originally published as NRL: Phil Gould rubbishes suggestions Josh Addo-Carr could flourish at fullback