The Newcastle Knights have joined the chase for Josh Addo-Carr after it was revealed that the Bulldogs winger had gained the attention of Parramatta.
This masthead claimed on Wednesday that if Addo-Carr is released from his contract, he might make a surprise transition from Canterbury to arch-rivals the Eels.
Newcastle is also interested in the NSW and Australia representative as a replacement for the Sydney Roosters’ Dominic Young. Wests Tigers and Dragons are also keeping an eye on the situation.
Both the Eels and the Knights have indicated an interest in speaking with the outstanding winger, but only if Canterbury agrees to an instant move.
The possibility of swapping Eels forward Ryan Matterson for Addo-Carr has been discussed, but it is unlikely to happen. Canterbury hasn’t ruled out a player swap, although they’re more interested in signing a front-rower than a back-rower. To complete the transaction, Parramatta would have to release a player.
The Bulldogs have previously expressed interest in the Saifiti brothers, but Newcastle will not consider trading either of their middle enforcers.
Daniel Saifiti is under contract till the end of 2026 for around $900,000 per season. Jacob, who is on his honeymoon in the Maldives, is set to become a free agency on November 1 but is considering a hefty contract extension with the Knights.
Despite a recent meeting with football general manager Phil Gould, Addo-Carr is on the outs with some Bulldogs officials. The Premier League champion winger is under contract until the end of 2025, but he could go sooner if the club benefits from the move. The Knights, Eels, and Bulldogs all declined to comment.
The Eels have stated that they require more speed out wide, while the Bulldogs are lacking in forwards following the departures of Tevita Pangai jnr, Luke Thompson, Corey Waddell, Franklin Pele, and Fa’amanu Brown. In addition, they have signed Warriors forward Josh Curran for next season.
During the offseason, Addo-Carr has received a lot of attention. For his role in a scuffle during the Koori Knockout, the former Tigers and Storm flanker received a two-game ban, which he served during Australia’s first Pacific Championships Tests, as well as a $5000 fine ($3000 suspended).
A week later, Addo-Carr shared an Instagram post connecting the Middle East crisis to Indigenous land rights. He quickly erased a photo of the Palestinian and Aboriginal flags with the text “One struggle, one fight” and apologized.
Before a meeting with Gould a fortnight ago, this masthead disclosed he was on the nose with several Canterbury powerbrokers. Gould stated that he wished Addo-Carr would demonstrate more leadership, but assured him that he was still needed at Belmore.
That could change now that Parramatta has expressed interest in signing the 28-year-old if he becomes a free agent. Injuries and the relegation of Waqa Blake to reserve grade strained the blue and golds’ three-quarter stocks in 2023.
The Eels have recruited Manly center Morgan Harper on a one-year contract, but Addo-Carr is regarded as the X-factor the team requires after missing the play-offs in 2023. Parramatta’s sole other signing for next season is Manly forward Kelma Tuilagi.
In his two seasons at Canterbury, Addo-Carr has 27 tries in 38 games for a team that has struggled for points. His popularity at Belmore is evidenced by the sale of more over $1 million of his personal clothing brand, which earned him the NRL’s entrepreneur of the year award.
The Eels and Bulldogs have been approached for comment.
The Bulldogs remain aggressive in the transfer market, with Warriors forward Curran poised to join Belmore immediately.
Curran, who was allowed freedom to test the market despite having a year left on his contract, has reached an agreement with Canterbury.
He also spoke with the Dragons, but told them on Tuesday night that he would not be returning.
Next year, he will join Stephen Crichton, Blake Taaffe, Bronson Xerri, and Jaeman Salmon as confirmed signings for Cameron Ciraldo’s side.
The Bulldogs have also signed winger Blake Wilson to a two-year contract extension until the end of 2025.
Leave a Reply