Josh Addo-Carr joins up with new gym pushing positive men’s physical, and mental, health

At 6am on a Saturday, when many young men are sleeping in, the Foxx is pumping iron and sharing the secrets of his success with impressionable youth from Merrylands.

The Foxx is back on the trot - the dynamic winger in Parramatta heartland on Saturday to help build young men’s mental and physical fitness as part of an innovative new program.

Josh Addo-Carr was in high spirits for the 6am call at the newly opened Fitness Hub in Merrylands as this week’s special guest for the ‘Boys 2 Men’ program created by personal trainer and former aspiring Wallaby, Junior Sam Talili.

“I know that Merrylands and this area is a pretty rough area, so it’s good that we’re giving back to the community, especially men,” new Eels winger Addo-Carr said.

If there were still any dreary eyes from the wet early morning start, Addo-Carr’s iconic laugh echoed across the gym - lifting the spirits of those in the room.

Following his recent exit from the Bulldogs, the speedy winger has turned a new chapter under rookie Eels head coach Jason Ryles, recently signing a two-year deal this off-season with the Parramatta outfit.

Josh Addo-Carr was up early on Saturday helping young men train in Merrylands. Picture: Thomas Lisson

“[I’m] just happy with what I’m doing bra, trying to give back as much as I can. That’s why I’m here [at Fitness Hub],” he said.

“There’s a lot of mental health issues with men these days, so just coming down and just giving back and showing support to these fellas, that’s all I wanted to do. It’s all love bra, it’s all love.”

The program looks to shape young men in the Merrylands area every Saturday through structured and consistent gym workouts while providing a space to discuss everyday life skills and advice.

“I noticed a lot of the time there’s too many boys in the area, young boys always hanging around either the station or the shopping centre here in Merrylands with no real initiative, no drive on what to do in life,” trainer Mr Talili said.

Josh Addo Carr at the recently opened Fitness Hub gym. Picture: Thomas Lisson

Mr Talili is well familiar with the situations of the men he comes across - he was adopted at a young age before finding himself out of the house by 18.

He turned his anger into passion with the decision to become a PT when rugby union prospects fell through.

Josh Addo-Carr. .Picture: Thomas Lisson

Inspired by a close friend lost to suicide earlier in the year, Mr Talili hopes through the program to be able to teach and encourage young kids that come through the door.

“I always tell them that when words fail, the barbell takes over. The boxing bag doesn’t have any feelings, doesn’t have a name, so we’re better off rechanneling that anger, wherever it comes from, in a positive way rather than on the street.

“Success takes time, which I want them to walk away knowing each week.”

As he continues training with an Eels side looking to bounce back in 2025, The Foxx’s presence and advice left Mr Talili’s group motivated to keep pushing in their own personal aspirations.

“Being in a routine gives you purpose. When you’re not in one, you get a bit lost, so to see these boys ripping in, I’m glad to come down and show a bit of support,” Addo-Carr said.

His message - “Rock up as you are, fit or unfit, and start your journey. Let’s trot.”