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NRL transfer news: Parramatta emerges as possible home for Josh Addo-Carr, Jonah Pezet rejects Storm contract

Josh Addo-Carr has already been linked with the Dragons or a return to the Tigers, but another Sydney club could be a possible home for the former Origin flyer following his Bulldogs termination.

The Bulldogs are circling Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen. Picture: Supplied
The Bulldogs are circling Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen. Picture: Supplied

Parramatta could be a possible home for Josh Addo-Carr as the sacked Canterbury star looks to resurrect his NRL career.

Addo-Carr has been linked with St George Illawarra or a return to his first club, the Wests Tigers, but the Eels shape as another proposed destination for the flying winger.

The Eels have lost blockbusting winger Maika Sivo (Leeds) and boom utility back Blaize Talagi (Penrith) and that could open the door for new Parramatta coach Jason Ryles to add Addo-Carr to his roster.

The western Sydney club has also released skipper Clint Gutherson, giving Ryles more salary-cap space to inject fresh blood to his backline.

The Eels have signed NSW Origin winger Zac Lomax from the Dragons and the addition of Addo-Carr would give Parramatta a dynamic duo on the flanks.

Once regarded as the fastest player in rugby league, Addo-Carr is on the lookout for a new home in 2025 after being terminated by the Bulldogs on Thursday.

Josh Addo-Carr was sacked on Thursday over his drug driving scandal. Picture: Jonathan Ng
Josh Addo-Carr was sacked on Thursday over his drug driving scandal. Picture: Jonathan Ng
Josh Addo-Carr was pictured working on a building site in Sydney following his termination.
Josh Addo-Carr was pictured working on a building site in Sydney following his termination.

The two-time premiership winner has not received a formal offer at this stage, with his manager Mario Tartak to hold talks with prospective suitors this week.

At 29, Addo-Carr could play another four or five years in the NRL and insists 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.”

STORM RISK DOUBLE BLOW AS RISING STAR REJECTS EXTENSION

-Michael Carayannis, Brent Read

Melbourne have suffered a blow with rising star Jonah Pezet knocking back a contract extension which will leave rival clubs circling.

It comes as Canterbury are set to make Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen their No.1 target in a multimillion-dollar deal which could come as a crucial double blow for Melbourne.

Pezet had long been earmarked as a potential replacement for star halves Cameron Munster or Jahrome Hughes but the 21-year-old could now be on the move.

The Pezet camp had wanted a unique deal which would have allowed them to explore options for Pezet to have a 12-month loan deal in 2026 and a get out clause if Hughes re-signs at the club beyond his current deal which expires at the end of 2026.

The Storm formally put an offer through to Pezet which has been rejected after the options were not up to what Pezet had hoped.

The Storm risk suffering a brutal double whammy, after Jonah Pezet rejected a contract extension at the club. Picture: NRL Photos
The Storm risk suffering a brutal double whammy, after Jonah Pezet rejected a contract extension at the club. Picture: NRL Photos

It is understood a crucial meeting looms on Monday between Pezet’s camp and the Storm to try and salvage the deal.

But in the short-term there are a host of clubs who are prepared to step up their chase of Pezet now he is formally on the market.

Pezet is making his comeback from a knee reconstruction having played in Melbourne’s opening three games this year.

Pezet isn’t the only Storm player considering his future amid serious interest from elsewhere as the Storm brace for the Bulldogs to launch a big-money bid for Papenhuyzen.

Melbourne have been locked in talks with Papenhuyzen for more than a month, having tabled an extension to him in the hope of tying him up before November 1.

However, talks between Papenhuyzen and Storm majority owner Matt Tripp this week were unable to finalise a deal and Papenhuyzen has gone to November 1, leaving him open to offers from rivals.

The Bulldogs have identified off-contract Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen as a priority signing. Picture: Getty Images
The Bulldogs have identified off-contract Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen as a priority signing. Picture: Getty Images

The Bulldogs are among those watching closely and it is believed they are ready to take a shot at signing the 26-year-old, who has been limited by injuries in recent years but remains of the best custodians in the game.

The Storm have an insurance policy in emerging star Su’A Faalogo, who is locked in long term with Melbourne. However, if Papenhuyzen stays in Melbourne, Faalogo has a verbal agreement with the Storm that he can explore his options on the open market.

The ‘Dogs largely used Connor Tracey at fullback this year but he is versatile and could play centre or wing if Papenhuyzen arrives in 2026.

Originally published as NRL transfer news: Parramatta emerges as possible home for Josh Addo-Carr, Jonah Pezet rejects Storm contract

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Original URL: https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/sport/nrl/nrl-transfer-news-jonah-pezet-rejects-storm-contract-as-rivals-circle-ryan-papenhuyzen/news-story/8dfa85d5ec256ec09d5af982aef661b4