He’s set the competition alight in 2016 and with his team on the cusp of securing a top-four finish, Wests Tigers winger Josh Addo-Carr is sure to feature prominently in the 2016 Intrust Super Premiership NSW finals series.
With speed to burn, the 21-year-old had been a sensation for the Cronulla Sharks in the Holden Cup in 2014 and 2015, scoring 28 tries in his 44 appearances. At the start of this season, however, Addo-Carr graduated into the Intrust Super Premiership NSW via a one-year deal with the Tigers. Following a scintillating club and competition debut – he scored a double as his side beat the Sea Eagles 34-16 back in Round 1 – the certified flyer spoke about playing for the club he has always supported.
“It’s a good club, I’m honoured to play for them,” Addo-Carr told NSWRL.com.au at the time. “It is special because I’m just passionate about the club.
“It’s a big step up from ‘20s I suppose; the physical contact is so much more.”
While he was pleased with his debut, the Redfern-raised winger was out to prove that it was no flash-in-the-pan performance; and over the coming weeks, he did just that. Addo-Carr made the Intrust Super Premiership NSW Team Of The Week in Round 3 with another two-try, 200-metre-plus game, following it up with more solid performances. In Round 8 Addo-Carr made a third appearance in the competition’s best 17, this time with a hat-trick and 249 metres that suffocated the then-dominant Magpies. It was after that performance, and with an injury doubt to David Nofoaluma, that the youngster earned his NRL debut.
In a heartbreaking one-point loss to the Melbourne Storm, Addo-Carr continued his form with a four-pointer early in the contest. He was forced from the NRL team the following week, but continued plying his trade in the Intrust Super Premiership NSW and earned a second first grade opportunity in Round 12. In another 19-18 defeat, the winger was again potent in attack and strung three games together in the top grade.
Since then, Addo-Carr has managed just one NRL appearance – a Round 18 loss to the Bulldogs where he scored his third try in the competition – but was judged in the best 17 of the Intrust Super Premiership NSW on three occasions. His form was enough to catch the eye of the Storm, however, and in June it was confirmed that he would head south on a three-year deal in 2017.
Thanks to the broken jaw of James Tedesco, Addo-Carr has been named in tonight’s NRL clash against the Penrith Panthers, a deserved promotion for such a young superstar.
Now sitting on 18 tries in the Intrust Super Premiership NSW – to go with his three in the NRL – Addo-Carr is certain to play finals football this season. Which grade that will be remains to be seen, but the renowned speedster will be aiming to go out on a high for his boyhood club.
Witness history this September at the 2016 NSWRL Grand Final Day. On Sunday, 25 September the Intrust Super Premiership NSW decider, along with the Ron Massey Cup and Sydney Shield Grand Finals, take place at Pirtek Stadium, with tickets just $10 for adults and kids under 12 free. Click here to secure your seat.
