Josh Addo-Carr’s second drugs test comes back negative hours before fronting Parramatta Eels board
Updated ,first published
Parramatta winger Josh Addo-Carr’s second result from a roadside drugs test has come back negative, just hours before he is scheduled to front the Eels board about his future.
Addo-Carr allegedly tested positive to cocaine at a random police roadside test in September. However, police on Monday informed him that the second test result provided a result for no drugs, meaning there will be no further action from police.
The development comes amid speculation that Addo-Carr was poised to be sacked at Parramatta headquarters tonight, where he is scheduled to address Eels directors.
With players poised to return to pre-season training, the Eels were keen the matter to a head. To that end, Addo-Carr has been to provide his version of events. Now, it appears that a career that appeared over could resume with the blue and golds.
The premiership-winning winger is a popular member of the club on and off the field. Addo-Carr has scored 27 tries since joining Parramatta last year.
Addo-Carr is expected to be accompanied by lawyer Elias Tabchouri and agent Marcel Tartak when he fronts directors this afternoon. The former Storm star was sacked after providing a positive roadside test while employed at Canterbury over a separate incident.
If Addo-Carr had been guilty of a second incident, it would have resulted in an automatic 12-game suspension.
Addo-Carr, who lost a sponsorship deal with automotive firm JAC, spent about a month in a rehabilitation centre to deal with off-field issues.
The Eels were already making contingency plans. They had been in discussions with Melbourne centre Jack Howarth, but have opted to abandon those negotiations. They have also been linked to Penrith’s Blaize Talagi, but if there is to be any pursuit it will be for 2028 due to his Achilles injury.
Newcastle winger James Schiller is a potential signing for 2027, while Bradman Best and Jack Bostock have been linked to the Eels for the following year.
After parting with Canterbury, Addo-Carr said he held no grudges against the Bulldogs.
“Very disappointed, you don’t want to go out like that,” Addo-Carr said in November 2024. “The club is in good hands with Cam, Gus and Critta [coach Cameron Ciraldo, general manager of football Phil Gould and captain Stephen Crichton], three wonderful leaders leading the club in the right direction.
“I’m proud to say I’ve played a little part in the club, I’m proud to be a Bulldog. I wish the Bulldogs nothing but absolute success, including the fans as well.
“I’ve been there through the hard times and the good times. I wish them all the best, they are a wonderful club.”
