Josh Addo-Carr is facing a monster ban even if he is given a lifeline by a rival club after allegedly failing a roadside drug test.
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Both the Parramatta Eels and NRL Integrity Unit are waiting for confirmation test results before handing down any punishment.
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The Eels speedster is alleged to have tested positive for cocaine in September.
According to Code Sports, Addo-Carr is looking at a 12-game ban from the NRL if he tests positive on his B-test sample.
That means any team that could potentially sign Addo-Carr if he is sacked by the Eels will do so knowing he may be unavailable for nearly half of the regular season.
The Eels are said to be undecided on whether they will ultimately cut ties with Addo-Carr, but Code Sports reports at this stage they are more likely to “reluctantly” sack him.
The NRL website states in its illicit drugs policy that “players who record a second contravention will serve a 12-match ban, the prospect of contract termination, a fine, and further treatment and monitoring”.
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Addo-Carr previously failed a random roadside drug test in 2024. He was contracted by the Bulldogs and subsequently sacked for that incident.
He maintained at the time that he had not knowingly ingested recreational drugs, with the incident taking place a week out from the finals.
The Bulldogs said in a statement at the time that Addo-Carr’s failed drug test and “subsequent lack of transparency” were “serious breaches” of his contractual obligations and the club’s standards.
“While we will always stand by our players through difficult times, we can only do this effectively when there is complete trust and transparency,” the statement added.