Josh Addo‑Carr Ruled Out Of Eels’ Clash With Dragons After Suffering Fever
The Parramatta Eels have confirmed a major blow ahead of today’s Round 17 showdown against St. George Illawarra, with star winger Josh Addo‑Carr sidelined due to a sudden fever.
Fever Forces Withdrawal
In a surprise update this morning, coach Jason Ryles revealed Addo‑Carr, who has been among the league’s most explosive attackers, will not take the field tonight after waking up unwell.
“Josh woke up this morning with a high temperature,” Ryles told reporters. “Medical staff have advised rest, so he’s been ruled out. It’s too risky to play him.”
At 29, Addo‑Carr leads the Eels with 8 tries in 12 games this season, averaging 149 running metres per match and breaking lines with elite athleticism. He has also proved a thorn in St. George Illawarra’s side—scoring nine tries in just seven appearances against the Dragons.
Eels Forced Into Last-Minute Switch
Parramatta revealed hooker Brendan Hands, a bench player, will fill Addo‑Carr’s spot on the wing, leaving the side with just two winger options tonight.
The final 19-man squad shows Luke Iongi projected at fullback and emerging back Dan Keir retained as reserve, but the sudden injury means the Eels’ outside backs will lack their usual finishing spark.
Coach Ryles: “It’s Unfortunate Timing”
“It’s definitely a setback,” Ryles said. “Josh is the kind of match-winner you rely on in tight contests. But that’s footy—someone steps up. We believe in Damien Brown and the rest of our outside backs to deliver.”
Dragons Poised to Exploit Miss
St. George Illawarra coach Shane Flanagan expressed confidence that tonight presents an opportunity.
“They’ll miss Addo‑Carr’s strike power. We plan to work their flanks, but no initial complacency.”
The Dragons have prepared to target the Eels’ reshuffled wing defence.
Bigger Picture for Eels
Beyond tonight, this fever worries fans—Addo‑Carr remained a doubtful starter for Sunday’s blockbuster clash at CommBank Stadium against Penrith Panthers.
Today’s Kick-Off Details
- Match: Dragons vs Eels
- Venue: WIN Stadium, Wollongong
- Kick-Off: 5:30 PM AEST (07:30 AM UTC)
Takeaway
Parramatta’s dynamic winger is unexpectedly missing tonight, forcing coach Ryles into a reshuffle. Without Addo‑Carr’s metre-eating presence—average 149m/game, 8 tries—the Eels need other backs to step up under pressure.
