- Winger officially fired by Bulldogs on Thursday
- Addo-Carr has strongly denied using cocaine.
Josh Addo-Carr delivered an emotional message to fans after his Bulldogs career ended when the club terminated his contract following a board meeting on Thursday afternoon.
The decision comes after the winger tested positive for cocaine following a roadside drug test in September which forced him to withdraw from the club’s first finals match in eight years.
Addo-Carr had given a version of events that led the club to back him at the time, but officials were angered when his statements did not match police evidence.
The winger issued a brief statement thanking his fans during his time at Belmore.
‘To all Bulldogs fans and family, thank you for these 3 memorable years. “The love and support you have shown me since I came to Belmore has always been incredible and the memories will last forever,” he posted.
‘Bulldogs sponsors and board of directors thank you for your continued support, I appreciate you all.
‘I would also like to thank my teammates and the coaching staff. We built a brotherhood that will last forever and we will miss the time we spent together on and off the field.
Josh Addo-Carr is now a free agent after the Bulldogs released him despite maintaining he did not use cocaine.
Addo-Carr was sacked by the Bulldogs after pleading his case at the club’s Belmore headquarters (pictured)
“I arrived at the Bulldogs in 2022, a time when the club was struggling and at a low point.
“I wanted to help return the club to the powerhouse it once was and, most importantly, I wanted to help build a winning culture,” Addo-Carr continued.
‘In 3 years, I am proud to be part of that change.
“Unfortunately, circumstances do not allow me to be at the Bulldogs anymore, but I wish the club, my teammates and, most importantly, the fans, every success.”
The former representative winger received a default notice from the NRL at the time, and the Bulldogs announced on Thursday night that the prolific try scorer had played his final game for the club.
The Eels and Dragons have been linked with his services for the 2025 season, and Addo-Carr will be one of the most in-demand players on the open market.
Addo-Carr’s future is still unclear, but he issued a sad statement thanking Bulldogs fans.
‘The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs Football Club today announces the termination of Josh Addo-Carr’s playing contract, with immediate effect. “This decision was not made lightly and after careful consideration by the board of directors,” reads a statement from the club.
‘Josh has been an important part of our club for the last three seasons. During this time, it has provided many memorable moments to our members and fans. We understand Josh’s popularity among our passionate fan base and share his disappointment that his time at the club has ended in this way.
‘However, this season has demonstrated the importance of building a culture based on clear standards and values.
“While the NRL Integrity Unit completed its investigation and imposed a four-match suspension, the club views the combination of the failed drug test and subsequent lack of transparency as serious breaches of Josh’s contractual obligations and standards. of our club.
‘Supporting our players remains a key priority for our club, with comprehensive wellbeing programs that go far beyond football. While we will always support our players in difficult times, we will only be able to do so effectively when there is complete trust and transparency.
‘We wish Josh and his family the best for the future. Our outreach team remains available to Josh and his family during this transition.
“The club will not be making any further comments on this matter at this time.”
