NRL Indigenous Round: Josh Addo-Carr backs education over punishment for racist fans

The NRL has recently banned some fans from attending games for racist behaviour, but on the eve of Indigenous Round, Canterbury star Josh Addo-Carr says he wants a different approach taken.

Josh Addo-Carr believes education is more important than widespread bans when it comes to eradicating racial attacks on the game’s Indigenous players. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

Canterbury star Josh Addo-Carr believes education is more important than widespread bans when it comes to eradicating racial attacks on the game’s Indigenous players.

The league has recently banished some fans from attending NRL games for racist behaviour that has involved the likes of Latrell Mitchell, Cody Walker and Ezra Mam.

However, Addo-Carr wants to shift the focus to fixing the issue at its core.

“Educating people is the best way forward,” Addo-Carr said.

Josh Addo-Carr believes education is more important than widespread bans when it comes to eradicating racial attacks on the game’s Indigenous players. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

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“They may or may not sit there and like it, but at the end of the day, this is the world we live in. You can’t be disrespecting people like that.

“If you want to come to a footy game, you need to be educated.

“If you want to support your team, you got to get educated, especially if you’re being disrespectful to players in the black community.”

Speaking to this masthead on the eve of the NRL’s Indigenous Round, Addo-Carr is buoyed by amount of Indigenous talent set to enter the competition.

Addo-Carr, with Clontarf Origin captains and vice captains, Zailen Campbell-Cooke, Dane Ransom and Braelan Marsh and Tye Bursill, at Canterbury League Club, today. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

The Clontarf Foundation will host their third annual State of Origin game as a curtain-raiser to the clash between Canterbury and St George Illawarra.

It features the foundation’s best Indigenous NSW and Queensland rugby league talent.

The Origin winger spent Wednesday night with a few of 18-year-old prospects, sharing stories and preparing the players for what they hope will be the first step in their NRL journey.

“I know exactly what it means to represent the culture, but to do it before an NRL game is pretty special,” Addo-Carr said.

The launch of Indigenous Round 2024. Picture: NRL Photos

“Hopefully I can guide them in the right direction, not going down the wrong path like I did, and put your best foot forward and take chances.

“Any time I can share my story, I get that satisfaction of doing good for the community.”

Addo-Carr’s main message was built on advice from his former coach Craig Bellamy: “If you spend so much time doing something, why don’t you be the best at it.”

The two-time premiership-winner urged the kids to use their passion for rugby league as a driving force to stay on the right track and chase their dreams.

In 2024 12 per cent of the NRL is of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, with that number on the rise every year.

While Addo-Carr wants to see Indigenous talent match the influence of Polynesian players who make up 45 per cent of NRL squads.

But he warned clubs to be patient on their journey.

12 per cent of NRL players come from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent. Picture: NRL Imagery

“Support them off the field. Most of them move away from country towns, and that’s all they ever know. When they come to the big smoke it’s a bit tough,” he said.

“We need to support them before we push them too early.”

Before taking the field for his Thursday night game, Addo-Carr has used this week to share his culture with his club, and the entire NRL.

The Bulldogs held a traditional smoking ceremony for their team, with all players around the club getting involved and showing their support.

“It means so much to my culture, the boys and the club respect what we’re doing,” he said.

“That’s what I love, when a couple of aunties and uncles and young Indigenous kids come into the club, everyone shows so much love to people that visit our club.