Josh Addo-Carr clarifies plans to move to Sydney from 2021
Josh Addo-Carr has spoken about his ongoing contract drama and the Origin address that gave him goosebumps.
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
NSW Origin winger Josh Addo-Carr has reiterated his desire to move to Sydney from next season, but has stopped short of confirming his future with Wests Tigers.
As revealed by The Daily Telegraph on Monday, Addo-Carr could potentially stay on with the reigning NRL premiers in 2021 despite a desire to be closer to his family.
While the Indigenous flyer has a year to run on his Storm contract, it is understood he has already committed to a heads of agreement to join the Tigers if he returns north in 2021.
However when quizzed on his potential switch to the Tigers after Blues training on Monday, the 25-year-old refused to confirm any deal had been struck.
Catch Fox League’s news, views and analysis on Kayo. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >
“Um, next question,” he laughed. “I’m not answering that.”
OK, do you have any sudden issue that would prevent returning to the same Tigers outfit that once let you walk?
“No issues, no issues,” he stressed.
“Wherever I go I feel like I can teach the younger players coming through a bit of my knowledge, my experiences.
“Wherever I go, doesn’t bother me. But it is going to be a tough decision.”
Yet while Addo-Carr said that he remained keen for a Sydney homecoming – “everyone knows what I want to do” — the winger stressed his manager Mario Tartak had not discussed the issue with him since the NRL playoffs started.
“So I’m not too sure at the moment,” he added of his future.
“I’m focused on what I have to do here with the Blues.
“I haven’t spoken with my manager since the start of the finals series. He rings up to see how I’m going but none of that (contract) stuff has come up.”
Addo-Carr added that playing fullback was no longer crucial to any potential move, saying:
“I don’t really care where I play.
“I’ve played everywhere in the backline so it doesn’t really bother me. Wherever my coach wants me to play, I’ll play.
“I played most of my 20s at fullback, most of my juniors at fullback too.
“But wherever they put me.”
Should the Tigers miss out on the Blues winger, it would be a huge blow given the club also lost Latrell Mitchell to South Sydney last year, despite offering him $1 million.
It has been suggested that the Tigers’ reluctance to hand over either David Nofoaluma or young gun Tommy Talau to Storm has proved a huge sticking point in negotiations for an early release.
STAN GRANT’S EMOTIONAL ADDRESS TO NSW BLUES PRIOR TO ORIGIN I
Addo-Carr has spoken of getting “goosebumps” following an emotional address to the players by Aboriginal journalist Stan Grant.
On the eve of the 2020 Origin series opener, Addo-Carr has revealed how Grant spoke with the Blues at length via Zoom about his background, upbringing and “those things that don’t get brought up in schools”.
Like Grant, the Melbourne winger is a proud Wiradjuri man who described as “inspiring” the heartfelt talk about not only the best-selling author’s personal hardships, but those of his ancestors.
“It gave me goosebumps,” Addo-Carr revealed on Monday of Grant’s time with the players
“He shared things he went through in his childhood, that his father went through … some of those things don’t get taught in schools.
“Which was good to share with the boys. To get an insight into what goes on in Indigenous communities.
“Because (personally) you hear so many stories that grandparents, uncles and aunties share, and you feel their pain.
“That’s the thing with us, you feel their pain.
“It’s hard to explain.”
Apart from having his players walk barefoot on grass, Blues coach Brad Fittler is constantly looking for those voices he believes will not only inspire his players, but change them.
Previously, Freddy has called on an eclectic mix of talent that has included, but certainly not been limited to, the likes of Hockeyroos coach Ric Charlesworth, Olympian Ian Thorpe, Red Bull pilot Matt Hall, and world champion boxer Danny Green.
This year, given COVID restrictions, the opportunity to bring in guest speakers has proved tougher.
However, when the NSW Origin squad first assembled in Homebush a fortnight ago, Grant was allowed address the players personally.
Those who have arrived since, like Addo-Carr, have viewed Grant’s speech via video.
Apart from detailing his own inspirational rise out of poverty, the now university professor also reminded the squad how they are not simply playing for the State on Wednesday night — but “are NSW”.
MORE NRL TRANSFER NEWS
Bulldogs set to snare young gun with big offer
Cleary’s plea for Sauce sacrifice to be honoured
“He’s a really intelligent man and just (listening to) the messages he shared with the boys, it was inspiring,” Addo-Carr continued.
“We’re also from the same tribe, Wiradjuri, so we’ve got some blood connection, family connection there.
“And to hear him sharing his story, it gave me goosebumps.”
Apart from rising up to become one of Australia’s most respected voices, Grant also has a long and proud history in rugby league.
A South Sydney fan, his father Stan snr played for Newtown, while cousin David represented the Bunnies and later captained Canberra.
Elsewhere, his family also connects with South Sydney No. 1 Mitchell, Panthers centre Brent Naden, while Blake Ferguson’s grandfather and Grant’s are also first cousins.
Reigning Dally M medallist Jack Wighton is also from the same Wiradjuri tribe.