Parramatta Eels winger Josh Addo-Carr faces an uncertain playing future after allegedly testing positive for cocaine during a random roadside stop in Sydney, the second such incident in his NRL career. The 31-year-old was pulled over in Newtown on Friday night and passed a breath test for alcohol, but a preliminary drug wipe allegedly indicated cocaine, with an oral fluid sample now sent for forensic analysis. The matter is significant because a similar positive test in 2024 led to Canterbury tearing up the final year of his contract, and this new allegation could again threaten his club career and representative selection.

Parramatta confirmed it was aware of the alleged incident and had notified the NRL Integrity Unit, while offering welfare support to Addo-Carr and his family. Under the NRL's illicit drug policy, a second offence carries a 12-match ban, a fine and mandatory treatment, with contract termination also possible, though it is unclear whether roadside police tests fall under this policy. Addo-Carr, who scored eight tries in 23 games this season and had been named in Australia's preliminary 40-man World Cup squad, now appears unlikely to make the final squad for the October-November tournament. He was previously fined $15,000 and banned four matches by the NRL, plus fined $682 and had his licence suspended for three months, after his 2024 positive test.