Eels’ monster plot to snatch Josh Addo-Carr in Origin player swap

The Eels had been pretty quiet on the signing front for 2023 but the club has reportedly set a potentially bombshell plan for a superstar.

The Parramatta Eels are reportedly set to launch a bid for Bulldogs flyer Josh Addo-Carr if the winger is released by Canterbury.

Addo-Carr has had a rough off-season so far after he was knocked out at the Koori Knockout, banned for two matches and subsequently stood down from Australian duty.

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The winger then came under fire after he compared the Israel conflict to Indigenous land rights, a post he apologised for the following day.

But after an unhappy season at the Bulldogs where he still scored 11 tries in 15 matches for the 15th placed Canterbury side, it had been reported that Addo-Carr had been at odds with club officials.

While he met with head of football Phil Gould who confirmed his future was safe at the club, the Eels are seemingly leaving a door open for an enormous move.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported that the Eels would be interested in signing Addo-Carr “but only if Canterbury agree to an immediate move”.

Newscorp reported that the Eels could be willing to part with forward Ryan Matterson as a potential player swap, reporting the parties have had “informal talks”.

Addo-Carr is wanted by the Eels. Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

Ryan Matterson. Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images

The Eels, who finished the 2022 as runners up before missing the playoffs in 2023, are seeking to strengthen their backline stocks.

Having already signed Sea Eagles centre Morgan Harper, Addo-Carr would give the Eels some much needed speed and experience.

The Eels were found short in the backline several times this season due to injury and Waqa Blake being relegated to reserve grade.

However, to make an Addo-Carr deal work, the Eels would need to lose a player.

Eels officials also told Newscorp on Wednesday that the club was not actively shopping Matterson.

The SMH also suggested that the Matterson deal may not eventuate as the Bulldogs are looking to bolster their front row stocks after losing Tevita Pangai Jr, Luke Thompson, and Franklin Pele, and having signed backrower Josh Curran from the Warriors to a multi-year deal.

Curran will join Stephen Crichton, Blake Taaffe, Bronson Xerri and Jaeman Salmon at the club.

Originally published as Eels’ monster plot to snatch Josh Addo-Carr in Origin player swap