Josh Addo-Carr’s second result from a September roadside drugs test has reportedly come back negative, just hours before the Parramatta winger was due to front the Eels board to determine his future at the club.
As reported by The Age and the Sydney Morning Herald on Monday, police informed Addo-Carr that the second test detected nil drugs, meaning there will be no further police action.
Lawyer Confirms Nil Drugs Result
Addo-Carr allegedly returned a positive roadside test for cocaine during a random police test in September. His lawyer, Elias Tabchouri, confirmed the result of the second sample in a statement.
“I can confirm that Josh Addo-Carr and my office have been contacted by NSW Police. The police have confirmed the drug test carried out on Josh on September 11, 2026 has returned a result of nil drugs detected. Josh has always maintained – and still maintains – a commitment to the Parramatta club.”
Elias Tabchouri, via The Age
Asked whether Addo-Carr would remain at the Eels, Tabchouri said: “That’s a matter for the Parramatta Eels. But noting the negative result, we reiterate that he remains committed to the club.”
Eels Board Still to Decide
Addo-Carr was expected to address Parramatta directors on Monday afternoon, accompanied by Tabchouri and agent Marcel Tartak. Ahead of the meeting there had been widespread speculation he was poised to be sacked.
According to The Age, a career that appeared to be over could now resume with the blue and golds. However, any decision on his future remains a matter for the club’s board, and the Eels have not yet announced an outcome.
The Daily Telegraph and The Australian also reported the development, under the headline “B-sample drugs test shock in Addo-Carr’s fight to save Eels career”.
Why the Result Matters
The September incident was the second time Addo-Carr had been embroiled in a drugs-related matter, having been sacked by Canterbury following a separate positive roadside test while at the Bulldogs. A confirmed second drugs incident would have triggered an automatic 12-game NRL suspension.
The premiership-winning former Storm winger is a popular figure at Parramatta and has scored 27 tries since joining the club last year. It was reported he lost a sponsorship deal with automotive firm JAC and spent about a month in a rehabilitation centre to deal with off-field issues.
The Eels had reportedly begun contingency planning for their outside backs, abandoning talks with Melbourne’s Jack Howarth, while Newcastle’s James Schiller has been mentioned as a potential 2027 signing and Bradman Best and Jack Bostock linked for later seasons.
