“I know quite a few of the boys really well and they all speak fondly of the club and its people.”
The 25-year-old forward was told to find another club by the Roosters in October, despite being the only player to feature in all 27 games for them in 2024 and earning selection in the Rugby League Players’ Association team of the season.
The news came as a shock to those close to May, given he had signed a two-year contract extension with the Tricolours just six months earlier.
May rubbished speculation his release was a result of off-field behaviour, with talk turning to suggestions the Samoa international was an unfortunate victim of the Roosters freeing up salary cap space to rebalance their forward-heavy squad.
Addo-Carr moves to Parramatta on a two-year deal as new Eels coach Jason Ryles attempts to rebuild the western Sydney heavyweights.
The winger was forced to find his fourth NRL club after Canterbury terminated his contract in October.
Pulled over by NSW Police in September before the club’s first finals game in eight years, Addo-Carr failed the roadside test and a secondary sample returned the same reading.
The 15-time NSW State of Origin representative has maintained he had not knowingly ingested recreational drugs and had held faint hope he would be given a reprieve by Canterbury powerbrokers.
He said his move to the Eels was a chance to start again.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity Parramatta and Jason have given me to continue my footy career and I’m ready to repay the faith they’ve shown in me,” the 29-year-old said.
“Coming here is a chance for me to start a new chapter, prove myself and show what I can do for the club and the fans.”
Ryles backed Addo-Carr, having worked with him at Melbourne. “I’ve had the privilege of working with Josh before, and I know firsthand just how much he brings to a team,” Ryles said.
“His speed is electric, and his ability to break open games is second to none.
“What’s even more important is his commitment. Josh is a player who has always been determined to improve and challenge himself.”
Ryles’ Wests Tigers counterpart Benji Marshall is also hoping their respective signing will prove to be a major fillip.
Canterbury and St George Illawarra had also been in the hunt for May, but the Tigers became front-runners for his signature when the Bulldogs reportedly withdrew their interest at the weekend.
Marshall had a difficult rookie season as an NRL head coach as his side finished bottom of the table for the third season in a row.
But hopes are high the former Tigers five-eighth can turn around the club’s fortunes with an exciting roster at his disposal, following the additions of four-time championship-winning playmaker Jarome Luai and winger Sunia Turuva from Penrith, Cronulla front-rower Royce Hunt and Dragons centre Jack Bird.
