NRL 2024: Josh Addo-Carr’s lawyer speaks out as rival clubs circle sacked Bulldogs star

Josh Addo-Carr’s lawyer has spoken out about the Bulldogs decision to sack the star winger. But he may not be homeless for long, with rival clubs already reaching out.

(L-R) Josh Addo-Carr and Phil Gould.

Josh Addo-Carr has fielded fresh interest from NRL clubs after the sacked winger brought down the curtain on his time at the Bulldogs by thanking the club’s fans for making him feel welcome at Belmore.

Addo-Carr had his contract torn up by the Bulldogs board on Thursday night despite his lawyer Elias Tabchouri insisting they had addressed the matters raised in the breach notice issued by the club.

It leaves Addo-Carr without a home, although it is understood he has already garnered interest from the Bulldogs’ NRL rivals as they weigh up a swoop in the wake of his contract termination.

Josh Addo-Carr has fielded fresh interest from a number of NRL clubs after the Bulldogs sacked their star winger. Picture: NRL Photos

Addo-Carr returned a positive result for cocaine after being stopped by police for a roadside drugs test in Wentworth Point in September, leaving his career at the Bulldogs in jeopardy.

The Dogs gave Addo-Carr the opportunity to explore his options at rival clubs over the past six weeks but when a deal failed to materialise, the club issued him with a breach notice.

He fronted the board on Thursday flanked by Tabchouri, his agent Mario Tartak and a representative from the players union, where he was unable to convince the club to give him another chance.

“I’d like to begin by thanking the fans for making me feel so welcome at the club,” Addo-Carr said.

“I came to the Bulldogs at its lowest point to make a change. I hope I did that for you all.

“Unfortunately, circumstances won’t allow me to be at the Bulldogs any longer, and I wish the club and especially their fans nothing but success.”

The Bulldogs were coming off a wooden spoon season when they snared the marquee signing of Addo-Carr from Melbourne on a four-year deal from 2022, at a time when they struggled to attract big-name recruits.

He was one of the major catalysts for change at the club, culminating in them qualifying for the finals this season.

Addo-Carr sidelined himself for that game after he was pulled over by police, insisting he didn’t want to be a distraction for the team given what was at stake.

He now finds himself sidelined permanently by the Bulldogs, although there is hope that he can find a new home.

Tabchouri is among those who believe he deserves another chance – St George Illawarra have been linked with Addo-Carr but their immediate focus is on getting a deal done for Parramatta captain Clint Gutherson.

“In relation to the statement that Josh released to the media it is an indication of the class of the young man and the fact that his commitment to the club was always unwavering and his commitment to the fans more so was one that could never be questioned,” Tabchouri said.

“He came to the club at their lowest point and he played a significant role in the rebuilding of the club. I hope to see him at another club where his impact can be appreciated and he can be another fan favourite for another group of rugby league supporters.”

Addo-Carr appeared before the Bulldogs board at Belmore Sports Ground on Thursday afternoon, before the club ultimately decided to terminate his contract. Picture: Jonathan Ng

As for fronting the Bulldogs board, Tabchouri said he believed they had addressed the issues raised with them.

“In relation to the hearing that took place, I am of the view that we put forward a compelling and significant argument in support of Josh that did contain matters that hadn’t been raised before,” Tabchouri said.

“I am just disappointed in the result. I respect the decision of the board however I don’t necessarily agree with it.

“It’s clear that we were challenging a breach notice that was proposing his termination. We believed that we had addressed the matters contained within that breach notice.

“Unfortunately, the board felt otherwise.”

Originally published as NRL 2024: Josh Addo-Carr’s lawyer speaks out as rival clubs circle sacked Bulldogs star