Parramatta are poised to allow Josh Addo-Carr to resume his footballing career, pending the finalisation of the NRL integrity unit’s investigation into the circumstances that led to his false-positive result for cocaine at a random police roadside test.
Addo-Carr had provided his version of events to the club and head office after this masthead revealed that a second oral fluid test had come back negative, meaning there would be no further police action against him.
Lawyers acting for the NRL and the club wanted to be satisfied that there was no breach of his contract as a result of the incident.
The Eels are ready to welcome their cult hero back to training, but are just waiting for a final rubber stamp from the integrity unit. That is expected to come next week, and would clear the premiership-winning winger to participate in pre-season training and add to his tally of 234 first-grade games.
“At this stage we can’t comment in relation to the outcome,” said Addo-Carr’s lawyer, Elias Tabchouri.
“We are still working through the process. However, as stated previously, we remain committed to Parramatta and hopeful Josh can continue his career with them.”
While Addo-Carr will get the chance to fulfil the final year of his $450,000 contract, the 31-year-old has paid a price as a result of the incident. It has cost “The Foxx”, an incumbent Australian representative, the chance to be considered for Kangaroos selection for the World Cup.
There was also a financial cost after a raft of existing or prospective sponsors – including JAC Motors, P&O Cruises, Rexona, Nike, DoorDash, Red Bull, Weighplate and television series Rivals: Sport vs. Sport – cut ties after his initial roadside drugs test. The value of those endorsements is estimated to be worth close to $400,000, a figure almost as high as his playing contract.
Addo-Carr spent about a month in rehab after the incident. The former Storm star was sacked after providing a positive roadside test while employed at Canterbury in a separate incident two years ago.
Earlier this week, Addo-Carr – who arrived at his Monday meeting with the board clutching a religious book specifically aimed at prison inmates – said he was hopeful of continuing his NRL career.
“I have always been committed to the Parramatta Eels and nothing has changed,” Addo-Carr said in a statement provided to this masthead on Tuesday.
“I turned up today with a book that has changed my life and this is a chance to put into practice what I’ve learnt. I feel like I’ve still got so much to give this club and community.
“I appreciate the Eels giving me an opportunity to provide my version of events and I hope I get another chance to pull on the blue and gold.”
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