- Winger as officially sacked by the Bulldogs on Thursday
- Addo-Carr has steadfastly denied he took cocaine
Josh Addo-Carr has delivered an emotional message to fans after his career at the Bulldogs ended when the club terminated his contract following a board meeting on Thursday afternoon.
The decision comes after the winger tested positive to cocaine following a roadside drug test in September that saw him stand himself down for the club’s first finals match in eight years.
Addo-Carr had given a version of events that led to the club backing him at the time, but officials were angered when his statements didn’t tally with police evidence.
The winger issued a short statement thanking his fans during his time at Belmore.
‘To all the Bulldogs fans and family, thank you for a memorable 3 years. The love and support you’ve shown me since I arrived at Belmore has always been amazing and the memories will last foreverm,’ he posted.
‘Bulldogs Sponsors and board thank you for on going support, I appreciate you all.
‘I’d also like to thank my team mates and coaching staff. We built a brotherhood that will last forever and will miss our time together on and off the field.
‘I came to the Bulldogs in 2022, a time when the club was struggling and at a low point.
‘I wanted to help bring back 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’m proud to be a part of that turnaround.
‘Unfortunately, circumstances won’t allow me to be at the Bulldogs any longer but I wish the club, my team mates and most importantly the fan’s nothing but success.’
The former representative winger was issued a breach notice by the NRL at the time, with the Bulldogs announcing 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, with Addo-Carr set to be one of the most in-demand players on the open market.
‘The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs football club today announces the termination of Josh Addo-Carr’s playing contract, effective immediately. This decision was not made lightly and follows careful consideration by the board,’ a club statement read.
‘Josh has been a significant part of our club over the past three seasons. During this time, he has provided many memorable moments for our Members and fans. We understand Josh’s popularity with our passionate supporter base, and we share their disappointment that his time with the club has ended this way.
‘However, this season has demonstrated the importance of building a culture based on clear standards and values.
‘While the NRL Integrity Unit has 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 our club’s standards.
‘Supporting our players remains a fundamental priority for our club, with comprehensive welfare programs that go well beyond just football. While we will always stand by our players through difficult times, we can only do this effectively when there is complete trust and transparency.
‘We wish Josh and his family well for the future. Our welfare team remains available to Josh and his family during this transition.
‘The club will not be making any further comment on this matter at this time.’
