Won’t post the whole article, but here is the relevant eels related stuff
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Identifying a lack of lightning pace in their outside backs, the Eels have begun their speed search by making it known they would jump at Addo-Carr, if the Bulldogs were willing to release him from the final two years of his contract.
Parramatta back-rower Ryan Matterson was floated — believed not to be by senior Eels officials — as a potential swap option should the Bulldogs look to accelerate Addo-Carr’s exit.
While the talks were only informal, it is understood Canterbury have since declared they have little interest in pursuing Matterson.
Eels officials insisted on Wednesday they were not actively shopping Matterson, believing the former NSW Origin forward still had a number of good years in front of him.
Matterson, 29, has three years left on his current deal — including a player option for 2026 — after rejecting interest from the Dolphins to extend his tenure at Parramatta.
What is clear though is Parramatta’s desire to add some pace to a backline which lacked punch in 2023. The Eels are open to moving skipper Clint Gutherson from fullback to centre should they find the right player — they tried and failed to sign Gold Coast No.1 Jayden Campbell earlier this year in an attempt to add some x-factor to their squad.
Parramatta would need to release a player to accommodate Addo-Carr given their 30-man roster for 2024 is already filled. (WHAT THE F*** ?!?!?!)
The Eels have already started addressing their need for more potency in their outside backs by
signing Manly’s Morgan Harper. Parramatta’s only other signing for next season is former Sea Eagles back-rower Kelma Tuilagi. They met with rookie Canterbury winger Blake Wilson before he opted to re-sign with the Bulldogs.
Will Penisini, an outstanding talent, is more of a physical centre.
Waqa Blake has left the club while outside back Bailey Simonsson is expected to go onto the open market on November 1 — he has already had interest from rugby union — with his contract expiring at the end of 2024.
Despite a meeting this week between Addo-Carr and the Bulldogs, there is some suggestion he remains on the outer at the club despite assurances they want to keep him.
He still has two years left on a deal worth about $550,000 a season but had an unhappy 2023 campaign and there were murmurs two months ago that he was up for grabs, prompting talk of a swap deal involving the Tigers.
good reporting from the telegraph.
