Bulldogs terminate Josh Addo-Carr’s contract ‘effective immediately’

Josh Addo-Carr has learned his fate after meeting with Canterbury Bulldogs in an attempt to plead his case.

Josh Addo-Carr’s contract with the Bulldogs has been terminated “effective immediately” after the star met with club bosses in a bid to save his career at Canterbury.

But the board has come to the decision to sever ties with the star winger.

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In September, Addo-Carr tested positive to cocaine during a roadside drug test, which saw him miss the Bulldogs’ first finals match in eight years.

Despite maintaining his innocence, Addo-Carr’s secondary test also came back positive and he accepted the $682 fine and a three-month suspension from driving.

However, he continued to maintain his innocence.

Since the drama kicked off, it was believed Addo-Carr was set to be shown the door, with the situation coming to a head last week when he was given a show cause notice to front the board.

That meeting was today with Addo-Carr meeting with Bulldogs bosses in a 45-minute meeting where the 29-year-old speedster was joined by agent Mario Tartak and prominent lawyer Elias Tabchouri in a last-ditch effort to save his career at the club.

Tabchouri said after the hearing: “We had a fair hearing and now we await to hear the outcome.”

Josh Addo-Carr’s contract has been terminated. Picture: Jonathan Ng

However, the decision was revealed via a statement from Bulldogs chairman Adam Driussi on Thursday night with Addo-Carr cut loose from the final year of his $550,000 deal.

“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,” the 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.”

Josh Addo-Carr is a free agent. Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

The former representative winger and 2020 Dally M winger of the year joined the Bulldogs after five seasons and two premierships for the Melbourne Storm.

In the three seasons he’s been at Belmore, Addo-Carr played 52 matches for 38 tries.

However, as he was expected to be cut loose by the Bulldogs, Addo-Carr has already been linked to a move to the Dragons for next season.

After Ben Hunt was terminated by the Dragons earlier this week, the club is expected to try and sign both Eels skipper Clint Gutherson, who was released by Parramatta, and Addo-Carr.

The decision to terminate Addo-Carr’s contract is not too surprising considering comments from Bulldogs supremo Phil Gould last month.

Speaking on Channel 9’s 100% Footy, Gould said Addo-Carr accepting the fine and the driving suspension was “virtually an admission of guilt”.

The NRL has also sanctioned the star, fining him $15,000 and giving him a four-match suspension for the start of next season.

Originally published as Bulldogs terminate Josh Addo-Carr’s contract ‘effective immediately’