Triple tragedy that preceded Josh Addo-Carr COVID scandal
“I’d get back on a plane to Melbourne not knowing if I’d see him again.” These are the harrowing moments that preceded Josh Addo-Carr’s COVID lockdown drama – and how he owned up to the Storm.
Phil Rothfield
Don't miss out on the headlines from Phil Rothfield. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Melbourne Storm’s charge to the grand final began in a small meeting room at AAMI Park in Melbourne on May 4, the first day back from the COVID break.
The first person to speak was not coach Craig Bellamy or captain Cameron Smith.
Winger Josh Addo-Carr climbed out of his seat to address the team.
Watch the 2020 NRL Telstra Premiership Finals on Kayo. Every game before the Grand Final Live & On-Demand with no-ad breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >
The Storm flyer was back in town after being charged by police for the unauthorised use of a firearm and breaking COVID non-essential travel rules by spending a weekend on Latrell Mitchell’s farm.
Storm’s long-time football manager Frank Ponissi can clearly remember it.
“It was the very first thing we did,” Ponissi said, “There was an elephant in the room that needed to be addressed.
“Josh knew that anytime anyone stuffs up at this club, there’s an expectation that you front up to your mates to explain yourself.”
It was an emotional few minutes that kickstarted the Storm campaign that leads them to ANZ Stadium on Sunday for the decider against the Panthers.
Addo-Carr fought back tears as he spoke.
“Josh wasn’t in a great head space and he was very emotional,” Ponissi said, “His voice was quivering. He was uncomfortable and it could have gone either way but he spoke from the heart and the boys really appreciated it.
“From that point it was done and dusted and we could move on and get our season underway.”
Addo-Carr spoke on Sunday for the first time about his speech to the team.
It was more nerve-racking than anything he’s confronted on a football field in NRL, a State of Origin game or Test match.
“Everyone makes mistakes and I made a massive one,” he said. “I had to earn their trust again then get on with it. It’s hard to confront your teammates and I was so nervous.
“We all know about the Storm culture and expectations. The boys are proud of it.
MORE BUZZ:
Favourite in three-way chase for Addo-Carr
NRL star’s terrifying burglary scare
“I’ll be forever grateful they accepted my apology and agreed to move on.”
Making it more important for Addo-Carr was the fact he knew this season would be his last in a Melbourne Storm jersey.
That when he walks off ANZ Stadium on Sunday night he’ll be saying goodbye to the boys with whom he has built such a powerful bond over the last four years.
It’s all about returning to Sydney to be around family who have experienced horrible tragedies in recent years, including the death of his grandfather, old boxing legend Wally Carr, and two aunties this year.
“Wally was such an influential person in his life,” Ponissi said, “Josh was incredibly close to his pop.
“We definitely underestimated the tightness of their bond and how it might affect him.”
The last months of Wally’s life were the hardest.
“I used to stay back in Sydney for a couple of days after games to visit Pop in hospital at RPA,” Addo-Carr said.
“I’d get back on a plane to Melbourne not knowing if I’d see him again. It really hit me hard.
“I was hiding my emotions because I didn’t want to affect the team.”
Perhaps it explains in a way why he went off the rails and behaved so poorly earlier in the year.
To be on the Sunshine Coast for the last five months has been a blessing.
“It’s been really good for me,” he said, “Good training, resting well, good recovery, good food and being around the team. It’s made us an even tighter group.”
The change in Addo-Carr’s standing around the club has been huge, according to super coach Craig Bellamy.
This magnificent winger is a new man.
“He’s really come on as a bit of a leader around the place,” Bellamy said. “He’s a great talker around the younger fellas and keeps encouraging them.
“He has really matured and turned into one of those guys you can just rely on, on and off the field. We’re all really proud of him.”
MORE NEWS:
Origin teams: Storm giant Brenko Lee leads a wave of new Maroons set to make their Queensland debuts
State of Origin 2020: Ben Hunt on call to replace Cameron Munster at five-eighth
Paul Kent: Why ‘sulking’ David Klemmer copped NSW axe, Wayne Bennett rings rookies for Maroons
Originally published as Triple tragedy that preceded Josh Addo-Carr COVID scandal