Josh Addo-Carr, a winger for the Kangaroos, has been dismissed from the Canterbury Bulldogs effective immediately after failing two roadside drug tests last month. The decision was reached following a meeting with the club’s board, which took place on Thursday night.
In a statement released after the meeting, Bulldogs chairman Adam Driussi expressed that the decision to part ways with Addo-Carr was not made lightly, highlighting the player’s significant contributions to the club over the past three seasons. Driussi acknowledged Addo-Carr’s popularity among supporters and shared their disappointment regarding the situation.
Driussi emphasized the club’s commitment to establishing a culture grounded in clear standards and values. Although the NRL Integrity Unit has conducted its investigation and issued a four-match suspension, the Bulldogs deemed Addo-Carr’s combination of failing the drug test and a subsequent lack of transparency as serious violations of both his contract and the club’s standards.
Despite the circumstances, the club maintains that supporting players is a priority and that their welfare programs extend beyond the game of football. Driussi reiterated the importance of trust and transparency in these relationships, wishing Josh and his family well as they transition from his time at the club. He also noted that the welfare team would remain available to assist Addo-Carr and his family moving forward.
In other news, standout fullback Reece Walsh has secured a four-year contract extension with the Brisbane Broncos that will keep him with the team until the end of the 2029 season. Additionally, former Chiefs hooker Tyrone Thompson has made a switch in codes to join the Newcastle Knights, where he will play alongside his twin brother, Leo, next season.
While Addo-Carr’s departure from the Bulldogs marks a challenging chapter, this situation can serve as a learning opportunity for both the player and the club in the pursuit of a healthier, more transparent culture. There is hope that Josh Addo-Carr will utilize this experience for personal growth and re-emerge stronger, while the Bulldogs can reinforce their commitment to maintaining integrity and accountability within their organization.
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