NRL 2023: Bulldogs to send Josh Addo-Carr for HIA test after shock Koori Knockout revelation

Canterbury will haul Josh Addo-Carr before the club’s medical staff after the Bulldogs star admitted he was “put to sleep” before the infamous Koori Knockout brawl. WATCH THE FOOTAGE

Canterbury will haul Josh Addo-Carr before the club’s medical staff for an immediate HIA test after the star winger finally revealed he was “knocked out”, yet played on, in the Koori Knockout.

After admitting to being “put to sleep” at the annual event, Addo-Carr later became involved in a fight which resulted in a two-game suspension from the NRL.

This masthead understands the NRL and Bulldogs were deeply concerned Addo-Carr continued playing after being concussed given the game’s stringent rules around head knocks.

The Koori Knockout was played more than two weeks ago but the Bulldogs were only made aware of Addo-Carr’s injury after he appeared on a podcast, which was released this week.

The NRL declined to comment given the Koori Knockout isn’t a sanctioned event.

Josh Addo-Carr squares up. Picture: Channel 9

Josh Addo-Carr will be sent for an HIA test. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty

Bulldogs management will ask Addo-Carr to undergo an HIA protocol assessment this week where the club’s medical team will check for any delayed reactions or headaches.

On the Let’s Trot podcast, hosted by former player Josh Mansour, Addo-Carr said: “I was copping it all game against the Walgett boys and I’m getting knocked out, put to sleep, five, ten minutes into the game.

“It was a fiery game. Two strong teams, two proud communities going against each other.

“It was just unfortunate that the incident (the brawl) happened at the end of the game but that’s the Koori Knockout.

“I don’t think the media or NRL have ever cared about the Koori Knockout till now.”

Addo-Carr is on holidays and hasn’t told the club he has suffered any side effects.

While encouraging their players to compete, NRL clubs are privately worried at the lack of medical facilities and options for injured players at the Koori Knockout.

Josh Addo-Carr replies to this masthead’s social media post.

The NRL has in the past sent an email reminding all clubs the Koori Knockout isn’t a fully authorised tournament.

Addo-Carr confirmed he will appeal his two-game suspension, which ended his chances of Australian selection for the Pacific Championships.

“The media made it look like I was at fault. I will appeal and fight for my innocence,” Addo-Carr said.

“This is the first time ever. I’ve never been suspended. I’m a cleanskin, you know.

“And I didn’t think anything was going to come from it. I’m pretty disappointed with the way things panned out and hopefully things fall my way.”