Josh Addo-Carr’s future at the Eels remains in the balance after he met with the Eels board on Monday night.
The meeting came after Addo-Carr allegedly tested positive for cocaine during a roadside drug test in September, with Parramatta subsequently issuing him a breach notice for the incident.
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However, in a stunning twist it was revealed on Monday just hours before he was set to front the board that Addo-Carr had reportedly returned a negative secondary sample.
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The 31-year-old was represented by lawyer Elias Tabchouri during the meeting, with agent Mario Tartak also present.
Addo-Carr could be seen arriving for the meeting with a copy of God’s Word – Your Journey To Freedom. It is described as a “bible specifically prepared for the incarcerated”.
Asked by reporters about the book, Tabchouri replied “He’ll put the review on Amazon soon.”
Tabchouri was pressed on why Addo-Carr checked himself into a rehabilitation clinic despite a negative B sample and told reporters it was “for his mental health”.
Addo-Carr later explained in a statement to The Sydney Morning Herald that the book had “changed his life”.
“I have always been committed to the Parramatta Eels and nothing has changed,” Addo-Carr said.
“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.”
According to the Herald, Addo-Carr has lost nearly $400,000 in endorsement deals since the false-positive result after existing or potential sponsors including JAC Motors, P&O Cruises, Rexona, Nike, DoorDash, Red Bull and Weighplate cut ties with him.
The Eels later said in a statement on Monday that Addo-Carr and his legal team were given an opportunity to respond to the notice and that the club will “consider their submission” before making a decision on his future.
That is expected to come some time later this week.
Parramatta reportedly have a desire to find a resolution to the situation before pre-season training begins, with players set to return to prepare for the 2027 season this week.
Addo-Carr allegedly tested positive for cocaine during a roadside drug test in September.
Had Addo-Carr tested positive in his secondary test, the veteran winger was facing a 12-game ban from the NRL.
Addo-Carr previously failed a random roadside drug test in 2024. He was contracted by the Bulldogs and subsequently sacked for that incident.
He maintained at the time that he had not knowingly ingested recreational drugs, with the incident taking place a week out from the finals.
Following his latest incident, Addo-Carr reportedly spent a month in a rehabilitation centre.
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After departing the Bulldogs, the former Storm and Tigers flyer landed at Parramatta in 2025, scoring 27 tries under Jason Ryles who signed him to add experience to his young squad.
Should Addo-Carr be sacked on Monday, the Eels are set to hit the open market to bolster their outside backs.
Jack Howarth’s move to the club reportedly broke down, while Knights flyer James Schiller shapes as a cut-price option.
Elsewhere, Bradman Best and Jack Bostock have been heavily linked with a move to the Parramatta club ahead of the 2028 season, regardless of Addo-Carr’s future.