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Addo-Carr ignores NRL contract distraction

3 minute read

Josh Addo-Carr says NRL contract talk isn't a distraction for him in the NSW State of Origin camp ahead of game one in Adelaide.

JOSH ADDO-CARR of the Storm scores a try during the 2017 NRL Grand Final match between the Melbourne Storm and the North Queensland Cowboys at ANZ Stadium in Sydney, Australia.
JOSH ADDO-CARR of the Storm scores a try during the 2017 NRL Grand Final match between the Melbourne Storm and the North Queensland Cowboys at ANZ Stadium in Sydney, Australia. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

Josh Addo-Carr has denied speculation around his NRL contract will cause an unwanted distraction in the NSW State of Origin camp just two days out from the series opener.

The Blues winger said he was leaving all contract talk in the hands of his manager Mario Tartak as reports emerge he is open to honouring the final year of his deal with Melbourne.

Addo-Carr also denied he had signed a heads of agreement to join the Wests Tigers next season as he looks to relocate to Sydney in 2021 for family reasons.

The Blues have been largely sheltered from outside influences in their Origin bubble on the Central Coast and coach Brad Fittler has previously said he avoids picking players who have unresolved contract issues.

It's a line the 25-year-old Addo-Carr was willing to run with when quizzed on his future on Monday, giving nothing away about where he is likely to play in 2021 or whether staying in Melbourne is still an option.

"Nah, no update man," he said.

"My manager's told me just focus on what's happening today and that's being in this Origin side and just really focusing on what I have to do for the team.

"I haven't really spoken to my manager since the start of the finals. Like I said, he told me just focus on what you've got to do for your team.

"I've got a good support base behind me in the Storm, in my manager, my family, in these boys here (in NSW camp).

"I'm not too fussed about the outside noise going on.

"I don't know (what the future looks like) to be honest. I just want to play some good footy for the Blues. That's all I'm focusing on."

Addo-Carr did admit, however, that he still wants to follow his heart and return to his home city of Sydney.

But he did not say when.

"Definitely. Everyone knows my wishes around that," he said.

It's been reported that Addo-Carr has had a change of mind following his premiership win with the Storm last week.

However, another sticking point between Addo-Carr joining the Tigers is believed to be the club's reluctance to release a player of his calibre to the Storm as a swap.

As the best winger in the game, his asking price is believed to be around $500,000 - but the Tigers are keen to play him at fullback which adds to his value.

Should the Tigers miss out on signing Addo-Carr, they are expected to go hard into the market to beef up their side for next season.

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