Josh Addo-Carr could make a shock switch from the Bulldogs to arch-rivals Parramatta if he is released from his contract.
Parramatta have expressed interest in signing the star winger, but only if Canterbury agree to an immediate move.
The prospect of a swap of Eels forward Ryan Matterson for Addo-Carr was floated, but is unlikely to eventuate. Canterbury haven’t ruled out a player exchange, but their focus is on signing a front-rower rather than a back-rower.
Parramatta would have to release a player to make the deal happen.
Addo-Carr is on the outer with some Bulldogs officials, despite a recent clear-the-air meeting with football general manager Phil Gould. The premiership-winning winger is contracted until the end of 2025, but could depart sooner if the club benefits from the move.
The Eels have highlighted a need for more speed out wide, while the Bulldogs are short of forwards after losing Tevita Pangai jnr, Luke Thompson, Corey Waddell, Franklin Pele and Fa’amanu Brown. They have also landed Warriors forward Josh Curran for next season.
Addo-Carr has been in the spotlight in the off-season. The former Wests Tigers and Storm flanker was hit with a two-game ban, served during Australia’s opening Pacific Championships Tests – as well as a $5000 fine ($3000 suspended) – for his role in a brawl during the Koori Knockout.
A week later, Addo-Carr uploaded an Instagram post linking the conflict in the Middle East with Indigenous land rights. After posting a photo of the Palestinian and Aboriginal flags with the caption “One struggle, one fight”, he swiftly deleted it and apologised.
This masthead revealed he was on the nose with some Canterbury powerbrokers before a meeting with Gould a fortnight ago. Gould said he wanted Addo-Carr to show more leadership, but assured him he was wanted at Belmore.
That may change after Parramatta said they would be interested if the 28-year-old becomes a free agent. The blue and golds’ three-quarter stocks were stretched in 2023 due to injuries and the relegation of Waqa Blake to reserve grade.
The Eels have signed Manly centre Morgan Harper on a one-year deal, but Addo-Carr is viewed as the X-factor the club needs after missing out on the play-offs in 2023. Parramatta’s only other signing for next season is forward Kelma Tuilagi from Manly.
Addo-Carr has scored 27 tries in 38 games for a Canterbury outfit that has struggled for points in his two seasons at the club. His popularity at Belmore is highlighted by the sale of more than $1 million of his personal merchandise brand, which resulted in him being crowned the NRL’s entrepreneur of the year.
The Eels and Bulldogs were contacted for comment.
The Bulldogs continue to be aggressive in the transfer market, with Warriors forward Curran set to make an immediate switch to Belmore.
Curran, who had been given permission to test the market despite having another year left on his deal, has agreed to terms with Canterbury.
He also spoke to the Dragons but told the club on Tuesday night that he would not be taking the offer.
He will join Stephen Crichton, Blake Taaffe, Bronson Xerri and Jaeman Salmon as confirmed signings for Cameron Ciraldo’s side next year.
The Bulldogs have also announced a two-year deal for winger Blake Wilson until the end of 2025.
