Breaking news: The Parramatta Eels have reportedly made a decision on the future of star after it was previously revealed that the winger had a club option in his contract to extend his stay for another 12 months.

The Parramatta Eels have decided to exercise their 2026 club option for star winger Josh Addo-Carr, officially activating it before the mid‑June deadline. This confirms he’ll remain in the Blue & Gold for the 2026 NRL season .

Context & Impact

• Josh Addo-Carr joined Parramatta at the start of the 2025 season from the Bulldogs and quickly made his mark—scoring seven tries in just nine appearances, setting up two more, and averaging 146 running metres per match .
• With his form and influence both on and off the field, the Eels were quick to secure him for another year. General Manager Mark O’Neill praised his leadership, enthusiasm, and cultural influence within the squad .
• While the option keeps him at Parramatta through 2026, Addo-Carr will become an unrestricted free agent on November 1, 2026, when he can begin talks with other clubs for the 2027 season—though he has previously expressed a desire to remain with the Eels long‑term .

Broader Squad Picture

• With Addo-Carr locked in, the Eels’ list of players with uncertain futures has shrunk significantly. As of now, Bryce Cartwright, Haze Dunster, Joey Lussick, and Wiremu Grieg remain off-contract beyond 2025 .
• Parramatta are simultaneously strengthening other areas of their roster—recent re-signings include Will Penisini, Toni Mataele, Ronald Volkman, and centre Sam Tuivaiti, many extending through to 2026 or beyond .

What It Means Moving Forward

1. Stability on the wing: Addo-Carr remains one of the premier outside backs in the NRL, and retaining him offers much-needed continuity under coach Jason Ryles.
2. Future flexibility: While Addo-Carr is locked in for 2026, his availability on the open market in late 2026 gives both player and club options.
3. Roster management: With one key option now exercised, the club can focus attention on negotiating or reshaping contracts with remaining off-contract athletes.

---

In short, Parramatta have opted to keep Josh Addo-Carr under contract for another season, a smart strategic move that rewards his strong performances in 2025 while keeping options open for both parties down the line.

Let me know if you’d like more detail on any of the other pending contracts, or insight into how this might affect the Eels’ salary cap and recruitment strategy.