NRL 2024: Where to now for Josh Addo-Carr?
While the flying winger nicknamed “Foxx” may not be not quite as quick as he once was, he is a seasoned premiership-winning player who would bring plenty of speed and experience to any club seeking a bargain buy.
Addo-Carr remains an elite finisher and is one of the game’s more marketable players. And, at the age of 29, he still has a few years left in him.
Here’s a look at the clubs who could be in the mix for the mercurial star’s signature and how Addo-Carr’s future could pan out.
Dragons
The most likely destination. St George Illawarra have lost winger Zac Lomax to Parramatta and are trying to move on the out-of-favour Mikaele Ravalawa. Coach Shane Flanagan has publicly stated that Clint Gutherson is the priority and the Dragons are poised to strike a three-year deal for the former Parramatta captain.
“Maybe down the track we might possibly look at the Foxx,” Flanagan told this masthead last week. “He’s a quality player, he’s had a hiccup and we’ll address it. But it’s not on the immediate radar.”
Eels
A club in a desperate need of speed. The signing of Zac Lomax is a huge coup, but the prospect of adding Addo-Carr to the backline would provide another threat out wide. There is still a void to be filled after the losses of Clint Gutherson, Maika Sivo and Blaize Talagi. While young guns Isaiah Iongi and Joash Papalii have potential, they are unproven at NRL level.
Sea Eagles
Manly have made some savvy bargain purchases in recent times, as evidenced by the recruitment of Nathan Brown and Matt Lodge. Addo-Carr could offset the loss of Jaxson Paulo to the Cowboys.
Rabbitohs
Souths are strapped for cash, but Addo-Carr may be prepared to accept a cut-price deal to play alongside close mates Latrell Mitchell, Cody Walker and Jack Wighton. If anyone could get him focused, it’s coach Wayne Bennett
Tigers
This is where the NRL journey began for Addo-Carr, who slipped through the joint-venture side’s fingers after just nine first-grade appearances.
The Tigers have signed Sunia Turuva from Penrith, but Addo-Carr would provide a threat on the other side. The club has lost winger Junior Tupou to the Dolphins and are trying to move on Charlie Stains and Brent Naden.
Raiders
Attracting elite talent to the nation’s capital has always been a challenge. The departure of Jordan Rapana could open a spot for Addo-Carr to join an exciting young backline.
Panthers
A move to the four-peat premiers would be a massive long shot, given there’s no shortage of emerging outside backs at the foot of the mountains. But could that change if Addo-Carr was willing to take a huge pay cut to replace Sunia Turuva?
Warriors
They’ve lost Marcelo Montoya to the Bulldogs and could use another strike winger to complement Dallin Watene-Zelezniak.
Cowboys
The departure of stalwarts Kyle Feldt and Valentine Holmes has left a void in North Queensland that Addo-Carr would be able to fill.
Super League
Would be a class above if he was prepared to finish his career in England. However, Addo-Carr’s preference is to remain in the NRL.