Parramatta Eels superstar Josh Addo-Carr has sent shockwaves through the NRL community after revealing he was approached by another club with a huge financial offer before signing his new contract extension. The revelation has stunned fans, especially after Addo-Carr confirmed that the team involved was none other than the St George Illawarra Dragons.
Addo-Carr, who enjoyed a magnificent first season with the Eels, had been off-contract in 2026. But Parramatta moved swiftly, securing the electric winger on a new one-year extension that now ties him to the club until the end of 2027.
In a heartfelt moment, the 30-year-old confirmed that despite receiving a lucrative offer, his loyalty to the Eels never wavered.
“I was approached and was offered huge sums, but I love this club and don’t want to leave,” Addo-Carr said. “I really want to repay the club for everything they did for me and the circumstances surrounding my coming.”
When pressed on which club had attempted to lure him away, he answered simply and directly: “The Dragons.”
The revelation left many supporters stunned, as few expected St George Illawarra to be the secret suitor behind the scenes.
Addo-Carr’s outstanding contribution in 2025 clearly justified Parramatta’s eagerness to keep him. In 22 appearances, he crossed for 19 tries, rediscovering the explosive form that made him one of the NRL’s most feared backs. His recruitment, initially viewed as a gamble after his departure from the Bulldogs, has proven to be a masterstroke.
Upon signing the extension, Addo-Carr spoke glowingly about his time at the club.
“I absolutely love this club,” he said. “Everyone here — from the coaches to the players, management and staff, and of course our incredible fans — made Parramatta feel like home from the moment I arrived. Rylesy and the staff helped me become the player I always wanted to be.”
Eels football boss Mark O’Neill praised both his influence and leadership.
“Josh has not only returned to his best form, but he has shown tremendous leadership within our squad,” O’Neill said. “Our younger players look up to him. His professionalism and energy have been invaluable.”
With 159 tries in 201 NRL games, plus a revitalised representative career with New South Wales and the Kangaroos, Addo-Carr remains one of rugby league’s most dangerous players — and Parramatta fans are celebrating that he will remain in blue and gold for years to come.
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