NRL 2025: Parramatta Eels boss Jim Sarantinos defends signing of axed Bulldogs star Josh Addo-Carr

Parramatta boss Jim Sarantinos has strongly defended the Eels’ decision to sign Josh Addo-Carr, insisting the new recruit has been spoken to “at length” about his off-field incident and the club’s expectations of him.

Parramatta chief executive Jim Sarantinos has strongly defended his club’s decision to sign Josh Addo-Carr in the wake of his drug-driving scandal, declaring: “He has been given an opportunity to redeem himself and it’s up to him to do that.”

The Eels on Monday unveiled the former NSW Origin winger on a two-year deal, posting an array of photo and video content of Addo-Carr smiling and laughing on their social media accounts and club homepage.

However, the Eels still faces some uncomfortable questions around the first major signing of new coach Jason Ryles’ tenure, given the events that led to his departure from Canterbury.

The Bulldogs tore up Addo-Carr’s $500,000 contract after he failed a roadside drug test in Wentworth Point in September.

A subsequent test returned a second positive result, after which Addo-Carr decided to accept a $682 fine and a three-month driving suspension despite claiming he had ‘not knowingly taken the drugs’.

The Bulldogs hit Addo-Carr with a breach notice and he unsuccessfully pleaded his case to the board before having his contract terminated.

Josh Addo-Carr is officially in Eels colours. Picture: Instagram

Despite that, the Eels were keen to secure the 29-year-old’s services.

To his credit, Sarantinos did not duck questions about his concerns over Addo-Carr’s off-field incident, how their new signing’s behaviour fit into the club’s beliefs and what Parramatta’s expectations were going forward.

The Eels boss said he had spoken with Addo-Carr “at length” about the drug drama.

The second year of Addo-Carr’s deal is a club option in Parramatta’s favour, which gives them the chance to sever ties after next season if they are unhappy with the arrangement.

Parramatta CEO Jim Sarantinos.

Sanatinos is adamant Ryles was “very clear about the culture he is building” and that Addo-Carr would need to “adhere to (club) expectations” to see out his deal.

“Jason had an existing relationship with Josh when they worked together at the Storm, and that played a factor in his decision to sign him,” Sarantinos said on Tuesday.

“We’ve spoken with Josh at length about the incident, those conversations will remain private.

“He has been given an opportunity to redeem himself and it’s up to him to do that.

“Every coach has their own vision, and Jason is very clear about the culture he is building around the playing group and the club.

Josh Addo-Carr has been spoken to “at length” about the club’s expectations of him. Picture: Instagram

“The expectations are that Josh and every player in our roster will adhere to those expectations and make our club and members proud.

“We have been looking for a fast outside back and the opportunity to speak to Josh was presented to us.”

Addo-Carr still has three matches of a four-game, NRL imposed suspension, to serve. He was also fined $15,000.

Addo-Carr was a late withdrawal from the Canterbury side that lost 44-6 to North Queensland in the final round of the NRL season, having been pulled over by police the night before.

He never pulled on a Bulldogs jersey again, and the club lost the following week’s elimination final to Manly, their first finals appearance in eight years.

For Canterbury, Addo-Carr didn’t meet their behavioural expectations.

Originally published as NRL 2025: Parramatta Eels boss Jim Sarantinos defends signing of axed Bulldogs star Josh Addo-Carr