NRL news: Pros and cons of Bulldogs releasing Josh Addo-Carr, as five clubs circle the Foxx

The Eels’ interest in Josh Addo-Carr has sparked a domino effect, with several rivals entering the race. Our experts break down the pros and cons of joining the Foxx hunt.

Five clubs are circling Canterbury flyer Josh Addo-Carr. Picture: NRL Imagery

Parramatta’s interest in signing Canterbury flyer Josh Addo-Carr has sparked a domino effect of increasing appeal from several rival clubs. Here’s a look at the state of play at the Bulldogs, which clubs are looking to snap up Addo-Carr and how they are placed to land his signature.

Five clubs are circling Canterbury flyer Josh Addo-Carr. Picture: NRL Imagery

BULLDOGS

Canterbury hold all the aces as the current contract holders of the Foxx – and have no appetite at this stage to let him go before the end of 2025.

The issue is assessing the impact, if Addo-Carr were to be released. It would leave Jacob Kiraz and Blake Wilson as the club‘s only recognised wingers with NRL experience.

It‘s not good business to weaken a position that is already lean. However, rugby league is a business.

What the Dogs need is a leader in the front-row. If a club were to propose a swap for Addo-Carr with one of the more prominent forwards in the game, that‘s when things could get interesting. Until then, Addo-Carr will be in blue and white.

KNIGHTS

Newcastle are keen to find a replacement for Roosters-bound winger Dominic Young and have some cap space to do so.

Addo-Carr was coached by Adam O’Brien when the Knights coach was Craig Bellamy’s assistant in Melbourne.

What they do not have is $500,000 for a winger so they would need the Bulldogs to tip in part of Addo-Carr’s contract if he were to join the Knights.

While the Bulldogs would love a player swap for one of the Saifiti brothers or Leo Thompson – it won’t be happening.

Knights coach Adam O'Brien has a good relationship with Addo-Carr. Picture: NRL Photos

EELS

Parramatta are desperate to land some X-Factor into their backline.

They have been on the lookout for speed and Addo-Carr fights that description perfectly.

The issue for the Eels is two-fold; they don’t have any roster spots remaining and do not have the salary cap space to accommodate the Kangaroos winger.

They would need to lose a big-name player and it would be a forward. Ryan Matterson had been mentioned but Eels officials distanced themselves from those suggestions.

Addo-Carr would add plenty of spark to the Eels. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)

TIGERS

The Tigers have been keeping a close eye on Addo-Carr’s situation this year.

Rookie coach Benji Marshall is a big fan and would love him back at the Tigers.

The Tigers already have an expensive winger though in David Nofoaluma which complicates matters. They do have the cash though to make a play for Addo-Carr should he become available.

Benji Marshall likes what Addo-Carr brings to the table. Picture: Getty Images

DRAGONS

St George Illawarra can offer the Foxx a sea change from Sydney, while stopping short of completely uprooting away from family.

Under new coach Shane Flanagan, the Dragons are about to go in a change of direction and a player of Addo-Carr‘s experience would be ideal in the club’s bid to shift the culture.

He’d be perfect for aiding the development of young Tyrell Sloan.

The Dragons are down an X-factor on the wings, with Mika Ravalawa, the only genuine round one starting option.

A Saints line-up that boasts outside backs Sloan, Moses Suli, Zac Lomax, Ravalawa and Addo-Carr suddenly looks exciting if you’re a Saints fan.

Originally published as NRL news: Pros and cons of Bulldogs releasing Josh Addo-Carr, as five clubs circle the Foxx