Why Addo-Carr's potential Dragons deal hinges on exiled Eels ...

The Dragons are interested in the services of both Josh Addo-Carr and Clint Gutherson, however their recruitment decision is hanging in the balance.

The Daily Telegraph is reporting the Red V are awaiting a decision from Gutherson, who has sat down with Shane Flanagan to discuss a potential move.

The Eels skipper was given permission to negotiate with rivals, with incoming coach Jason Ryles deeming him surplus to requirements at the Parramatta club.

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Flanagan’s preference is reportedly to understand Gutherson’s stance before the club table any formal deal to either player.

Addo-Carr has reportedly been requested to front the Bulldogs board on Thursday, with his time at the club set to come to an end.

Canterbury-Bankstown powerbrokers reportedly want to remove Addo-Carr’s contract from their salary cap before November 1 in the wake of his positive roadside drug test.

Addo-Carr’s management reportedly requested a three-year contract to be tabled by the Dragons, who reportedly would only be willing to hand him a two-year deal.

However, he will have to sit down and front the Dragons board before any deal if finalised.

BATEMAN’S BIZARRE ADMISSION

Wests Tigers star John Bateman has denied reports he is in talks with the Manly Sea Eagles in a bizarre response to suggestions he is out of favour at the Concord club.

Bateman has two years to run on a lucrative Tigers’ four-year deal worth $800,000 a season, but didn’t finish last year after being granted a short-term loan to Warrington after playing just 12 games for the Tigers in 2024.

The Daily Telegraph reported Manly had shown interest in luring Bateman to the Sea Eagles to boost their title chances in 2025, but any deal would be dependant on the Tigers release him and possibly chipping in a large chunk of his salary.

However, speaking with NRL.com, Bateman denied any links to Manly and maintained he is set to see out his contract at the Tigers.

Still, the language he used paints a less than enthusiastic picture of his relationship with the Tigers, with reports the club has grown frustrated with their star signing.

“Honestly mate, it’s news to me when it comes out,” Bateman told NRL.com.

“I’ve not spoke to anyone over there regarding the team and stuff like that. I’ve got two years left at Wests Tigers and I’m going back there.

“I’ve not even spoken to Wests Tigers since I left, to be fair. They just sent me a message saying [when] I’m due in.

“From there, I’m literally unsure about that stuff.”

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Bateman was pressed on links to the Sea Eagles, but denied any knowledge of potentially joining Manly.

“I don’t know where that came from,” Bateman said.

“It is what it is. Like I said, I’m going back there.

“So yeah, I’ll be spending my time with my family but after Christmas I’ll be back there.”

Bateman was pressed on whether Manly could potentially sign Bateman, with the Tigers chipping in a chunk of his salary over the next two seasons.

“News to me,” Bateman said.

“I’m not usually on Twitter and stuff like that. I don’t follow any rugby league columns on Instagram so... I’ve had a few texts.

“I don’t where it came from, I don’t know who said it.”

The 31-year-old back-rower has scored 10 tries in 66 NRL games, including 32 for the Tigers over the last two seasons.

The Englishmen has also scored 50 tries in 219 games for Bradford, Wigan and Warringotn in the UK Super League and has played 28 Tests for England and Great Britain.