Josh Addo-Carr’s Eels return has been cleared after the NRL closed its investigation into the Parramatta winger, leaving him free to rejoin training and play in the 2027 season.
The 31-year-old’s camp was told on Tuesday morning that the NRL Integrity Unit had finished its inquiry and considered the matter closed, News Corp reported.
Addo-Carr is expected to return to training with Jason Ryles’ squad next week, Fox Sports reported, and will be available for the Eels’ 2027 season opener against the Gold Coast Titans in Las Vegas.
His lawyer, Elias Tabchouri, welcomed the outcome.
“We’re very happy that has come to an end,” Tabchouri told News Corp.
“I can’t credit the Parramatta Eels or the NRL more for the way this matter was addressed. We look forward to Josh having a stellar year with Eels.”
Read more: Josh Addo-Carr Second Drugs Test Comes Back Negative Ahead of Eels Board Meeting
How the case unfolded
Addo-Carr returned a positive result in a random roadside drug test in September. Earlier this month, Tabchouri said police had confirmed the test carried out on September 11 had returned a result of “nil drugs detected”, and police were taking no further action, The Sydney Morning Herald reported.
The news came just hours before Addo-Carr fronted the Parramatta board over a breach notice. The club then decided to keep him for the final year of his contract, which runs to the end of 2027, but the NRL still had to complete its own investigation before he could return.
A second positive test would have brought an automatic 12-match suspension under NRL rules, the Herald reported.
Read more: Spencer Leniu Charged Over Referee Dissent, Facing Eels Ban
A boost for the Eels
Addo-Carr joined Parramatta after his Canterbury contract was terminated at the end of 2024 and has scored 27 tries in 45 games for the club, according to Yahoo Sport.
His availability is welcome news for the Eels, who will be without big-name recruit Spencer Leniu for the Las Vegas game after he was charged over his dissent towards referee Adam Gee in Samoa’s World Cup semi-final loss to Australia, ABC Sport reported.
Parramatta are also adding Jarome Luai and Jaydn Su’A for 2027 and need backline experience after losing Sean Russell to the Perth Bears, Zero Tackle reported.
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