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Eels winger speaks to 7NEWS after selection, eyes series sweep and club success
Josh Addo‑Carr has spoken to 7NEWS after being recalled to the Australian Kangaroos for the Ashes series. Josh Addo‑Carr described the moment of putting on the Kangaroos jersey as "the pinnacle of Rugby League" and said wearing the green and gold with his family name on the back was incredibly special.
He acknowledged the team still has work to do, with one more Test on the trip and a chance to complete a 3–0 series whitewash. Addo‑Carr said the squad will "put our best foot forward" and prepare hard for the final game.
The winger reflected on the night’s conditions, calling the opening period "pretty rough" and admitting he "couldn't touch a ball the first 15 minutes" as the game felt stop‑start. That tough start, he said, is part of "test match footy" and he was simply glad the team secured the win and can build into next week.
Addo‑Carr also felt the stadium atmosphere, saying the crowd energy was intense and that "everyone was on top of you". He compared it to playing at Wembley and noted the fans lifted the occasion.
Although this return is a high point, Addo‑Carr emphasised the job isn't finished. He quoted coach Kevin (Kevie) and the team message in the shed: there's "one more game to go" and the goal is to "wrap it up with three games".
"This is the pinnacle of Rugby League... to put the Australian Kangaroos jersey on is pretty special," Addo‑Carr said, adding he wanted to "make them proud and make our country proud."
On a personal note, Addo‑Carr said the selection capped a journey that included the World Cup and some challenging times. He said he felt he deserved his place in the side and has been "super proud of the last 12 months".
He told a story about picking up the phone to Kevin and offering himself if needed: "I told him that I wouldn't let him down." Addo‑Carr said he’ll carry that commitment back to club football, hoping to help Parramatta chase a trophy next year after being given a chance last season.
Addo‑Carr also praised the younger players around him. He singled out Risi Walsh as a standout, calling him "only a young fellow, but he's a real competitor" who backs his skills on the field.
Overall he expressed pride in the team and an eagerness to finish the series strongly. The tone was measured and focused; while grateful for the honour of selection, Addo‑Carr kept the spotlight on the group's remaining objective.
Key takeaways
- Josh Addo‑Carr described his Kangaroos recall as a career highlight and the "pinnacle" of the sport.
- He acknowledged a rough, stop‑start start to the match but praised the crowd and the team’s resolve.
- The squad aims to complete a 3–0 Ashes whitewash with one Test remaining.
- Addo‑Carr praised young teammates, notably Risi Walsh, and expressed hunger to deliver success for Parramatta next season.
FAQs
Why was Josh Addo‑Carr emotional about the selection?
He said putting on the Kangaroos jersey is the pinnacle of Rugby League, that it meant a lot to wear his family name for country, and he felt he deserved the place after the last 12 months.
Is the Ashes series over for Australia?
Not yet. Australia have won matches in the series but Addo‑Carr and the team stated there is one more game to go with the goal of completing a 3–0 whitewash.
How did the match begin, according to Addo‑Carr?
He described the start as "pretty rough" and said he couldn't touch the ball in the first 15 minutes because the game was stop‑start, which he attributed to test match footy conditions.
Who among the young players impressed him?
Addo‑Carr highlighted Risi Walsh as a young competitor who backs himself and knows his footy, praising his attitude and ability on the field.
What did he say about returning to Parramatta?
He said he is very hungry to bring success back to Parramatta after they gave him a chance last season and hopes to lift a trophy with the club next year.
The information in this article has been adapted from mainstream news sources and video reports published on official channels. Watch the full video here Eels winger Josh Addo-Carr speaks to 7NEWS about his return to the Kangaroos side for the Ashes
