Josh Addo-Carr Receives Huge Boost as B-Sample Returns Negative in Drug Test Twist

Josh Addo-Carr’s future at the Parramatta Eels has taken a dramatic turn, with the winger’s secondary drug test reportedly returning a negative result after he was allegedly caught by an initial roadside test in September.

The development is a significant boost for the former NSW State of Origin and Australian international, who had been facing uncertainty over his playing future following the incident.

Addo-Carr’s lawyer, Elias Tabchouri, confirmed that NSW Police had contacted the player and his legal team to advise that the follow-up test had detected no drugs.

The result means police will take no further action over the September 11 incident, which had threatened to derail Addo-Carr’s career for a second time.

Addo-Carr was stopped by police on Enmore Road in Sydney’s inner west during a random roadside test in September.

An initial drug wipe allegedly returned a positive indication for cocaine, prompting police to collect an oral-fluid sample for further forensic analysis.

It was that secondary sample that has now reportedly returned a negative result.

The development is particularly important because a confirmed positive result could have triggered a mandatory 12-match NRL suspension, provided Addo-Carr remained contracted to a club.

Instead, the negative result removes that potential suspension arising from this test and gives the winger a much clearer opportunity to continue his career.

Despite the positive development, Addo-Carr’s future at Parramatta is not yet settled.

The 31-year-old is expected to meet with the Eels board on Monday afternoon, accompanied by his lawyer and agent, to discuss the situation and his future with the club.

Addo-Carr remains contracted to Parramatta for the 2027 season, but the club had been preparing to make a decision following the initial test result.

His lawyer has made it clear that the winger remains committed to the Eels, although any decision on whether he stays will ultimately rest with the club.

The meeting now takes on a different complexion following the negative result, with the Eels having to consider the latest development before determining their next move.

The latest incident also brought back memories of Addo-Carr’s departure from the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in 2024.

While playing for Canterbury, he was involved in another roadside drug-testing controversy and was subsequently released by the club. Addo-Carr maintained at the time that he had not knowingly taken recreational drugs.

Parramatta later offered him an opportunity to rebuild his career, with coach Jason Ryles bringing the experienced winger to the club ahead of the 2025 season.

He has since scored 27 tries in 45 appearances for the Eels, becoming an important part of their outside-back stocks.

The latest negative result gives him an opportunity to put the September incident behind him, although the club will still need to consider the wider circumstances when discussing his future.

For Addo-Carr, the immediate priority will be his meeting with Parramatta officials and finding a way forward.

The negative secondary result is a major change from the situation the winger faced only hours earlier, when speculation surrounding his future was growing.

However, it does not automatically guarantee that he will remain at the Eels for 2027.

Parramatta must now decide whether to continue with the player who has delivered 27 tries in 45 appearances since arriving at the club, or pursue other options in the outside backs.

One thing is clear: the latest test result has given Addo-Carr a significant lifeline, and his NRL future is no longer clouded by the prospect of a 12-match suspension from this incident.