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Eels GM praises experienced duo following impressive seasons
Nicholas Quinlan • October 31st, 2025 9:21 pm
Parramatta Eels GM of Football Mark O’Neill has reflected on the seasons of veterans Dylan Walker and Josh Addo-Carr following their first seasons with the club.
Both players would join the side for Jason Ryles’ first year in charge and played important roles to see Parramatta improve from their 15th-place finish last season to sit 11th.
Walker joined the Eels in the early part of the season, having played three games with the New Zealand Warriors before being released due to homesickness.
In the 20 matches that he played, he mainly featured off the bench, helping provide plenty of adaptability to Parramatta’s lineup.
But as O’Neill notes, he brings so much more to the side.
“When that opportunity came up, we were agile in terms of our salary cap space and had position,” O’Neill explained on SEN 1170’s The Run Home.
“It was a really good pick for us because his football IQ is off the charts, and in terms of the role he played at 14.
“He’s incredibly skilled where he can play a bit in the halves, he can play a bit in the backs, he can certainly play in the middle.
“He’s tough, he’s done everything you can do in the game. He’s represented his country, his state, won a premiership, he’s played a hell of a lot of games.
“So, he’s really good for us and he’s been a calming influence for our younger guys around him as well, so the leadership attributes is not always visible until you get to work with someone.
“He’s been fantastic.”
While for Addo-Carr, the Eels offered him a lifeline after having his contract terminated by the Bulldogs at the end of 2024.
Signing a two-year deal, the 30-year-old has been electric with 19 tries scored from 22 games, which has seen him recalled to the Kangaroos’ squad for their Ashes series.
And O’Neill puts this down to the culture that the Eels have created, helping ‘The Foxx’ to return to his best.
“He brings a lot of energy, he’s got the boom box there,” he continued.
“He’s been really good in terms of our culture and our connection to the community.
“It wouldn’t be uncommon to see Foxx if we had a fan day on or anything like that, he would be the last bloke out there still signing autographs, taking photos, engaging with the fans and members.
“He just loves football and the football environment, and I feel like if you create that environment and you keep learning and you’re happy, then you’re going to play your best footy.
“And I think we’ve seen Josh return to some of his best footy, so we’re excited by what they are going to do in ’26 and potentially beyond that.”
Both players are contracted for next season.
