Addo-Carr relishes chance to play for his mobs
GILBERT GARDINER JOSH Addo-Carr is proud to wears his heart on his sleeve – in ink – but pulling on the most significant jersey of his NRL career is special.
The Melbourne Storm winger will take centre stage in February when the Australian Indigenous All Stars play New Zealand Maori in a men’s and women’s double-header at AAMI Park. For Addo-Carr it’s a chance to represent the Addos (his father’s side), the Carrs (his mother’s clan) and all indigenous people.
“It’s just like making the green and gold side, representing your heritage, your family and your people,” Addo-Carr said of the Indigenous All-Star strip. “It’s the pinnacle for me … to put our people on the map in rugby league.”
Addo-Carr was born in Blacktown, Sydney, to parents belonging to Gunggandji (Addo) and Wiradjuri (Carr) mobs, but spent his early years in nearby Doonside with his father.
He moved to Melbourne two years ago as an unfulfilled talent after a nine-game debut season at Wests Tigers.
Shifting from family took a toll, both culturally and professionally, but a strong bond with indigenous AFL stars has helped Addo-Carr settle.
Addo-Carr credited Melbourne players Neville Jetta, Jeff Garlett and Jay KennedyHarris with playing a part in filling the cultural void, which has culminated in the quartet going to schools and sharing their story with students.
Yarrabah elders, a coastal clan near Cairns where AddoCarr’s father hails from, dubbed the speedster Kurramurra when he began his professional career.
“It means lightning. What a coincidence?” the Storm star said. “I thought it’s a good way to represent my dad’s side and get my tribal name on me.”
Artist Laura Pitt designed the indigenous jersey – which includes a goanna, meeting places, the sun and coloured paths for water, land and spirituality.