Canterbury Bulldogs in secret meeting with Melbourne Storm superstar Josh Addo-Carr

Addo-Carr had initially sought an immediate release from the final year of his Melbourne contract in order to relocate to Sydney for family reasons. However, the parties agreed the 27-year-old would stay put when the premiers weren’t able to find a suitable replacement.

Instead, the man dubbed the Fox has become one of the hottest commodities on the open market for season 2022.

Addo-Carr had signed a heads of agreement to join Wests Tigers on a four-year deal had he gained an immediate release. However, that arrangement only applied if he was available for next season, meaning the speedster is free to negotiate with rival clubs. The Tigers are expected to remain in the mix for his services from 2022.

Addo-Carr is considering not only a change of club, but also a change in position. Having cemented his reputation as the game’s best winger, the two-time premiership winner is contemplating a switch to the No.1 jersey. The Matraville Sports High School product played fullback for much of his junior career and believes the experience of watching long-time Melbourne teammate Billy Slater dominate in the position will aid his own transition.

A switch to fullback will also likely result in Addo-Carr commanding more money at the negotiating table.

The Bulldogs haven’t settled on a fullback despite rotating Will Hopoate, Nick Meaney and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak through the role. However, they have made two notable additions to their back line in the form of Canberra three-quarter Nick Cotric and Roosters halfback Kyle Flanagan.

Addo-Carr won’t be the only star the Storm struggle to retain long term following another premiership season. As revealed by the Herald earlier this month, the Warriors are attempting to sign Jahrome Hughes. The halfback’s stocks have risen since transitioning from fullback and the Warriors are preparing a long and lucrative deal to lure him across the Tasman.

The Storm is also waiting for an official call from captain Cameron Smith, although he has indicated he won’t remain at the club given there are concerns his presence could impede the pathway of fellow hookers Brandon Smith and Harry Grant.

In other signing news, the Tigers secured Shaun Blore on a new deal that will tie him to the club until at least the end of 2023. The promising forward made his first-grade debut for the club in round 11 and went on to make a further four NRL appearances in his rookie season.

Loading

“I’m so happy to re-sign with Wests Tigers,” Blore said. “The club has given me a shot and they’ve been so good to me and my family throughout that.

“I feel like I owe the club the best I can be and the best I can be for the next few years.

“I love it here – the boys have been really good to me and I’m extremely happy to sign on. The boys have truly made me feel part of the family and that’s definitely part of my decision to re-sign.”