Bulldogs star returns second positive drug test

Bulldogs star Josh Addo-Carr will not play another game this season – even as he remains adamant he has never knowingly ingested any illegal drugs despite returning two positive readings for cocaine.

Bulldogs star Josh Addo-Carr will not play another game this season – even as he remains adamant he has never knowingly ingested any illegal drugs despite returning two positive readings for cocaine.

The confirmation from NSW Police on Friday afternoon that the star winger had tested positive came as a devastating blow to Addo-Carr, whose roadside breath test a week earlier threw his “beloved Bulldogs” into disarray in the lead up to their first finals appearance since 2016.

Through his lawyer, Addo-Carr said he would cop the $682 fine for driving a motor vehicle with an illicit drug present in oral fluid to put the legal matter to an end.

He will also be banned from driving for three months.

Josh Addo Carr leaving his home this week. Picture: Tim Hunter

The NRL star won’t play in the finals this weekend. Picture: Tim Hunter.

Canterbury and the NRL have confirmed Addo-Carr will not be playing finals footy and is stood down for the remainder of the season. But what becomes of his NRL contract remains to be seen.

Late on Friday, Addo-Carr’s lawyer Elias Tabchouri confirmed: “Josh was issued with an infringement notice from NSW Police in relation to positive test results.

“This matter has had a dramatic impact on Josh and his family. It has also been a distraction from a significant game for his beloved Bulldogs.

“Despite the fact that Josh maintains that he has never knowingly ingested any illegal drugs he has decided to pay the infringement and bring this matter to an end legally.

“He appreciates all the support of the club, particularly the general manager Phil Gould, the coach Cameron Ciraldo.

“Finally he wishes to thank his family, management and teammates and the fans for all their support.”

Josh Addo-Carr joined the Bulldogs in 2022. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Gould came out in staunch support for Addo-Carr when news of the roadside breath test first broke.

“There is absolutely no truth to rumours that Josh had any issue. None whatsoever,” Gould posted on X on Monday.

However, after this masthead obtained a statement from NSW Police on Monday afternoon, Gould held further talks with Addo-Carr and his manager Mario Tartak. He revealed afterwards that his star winger had in fact failed a drug test.

Gould said he did not believe Addo-Carr had deliberately misled the club.

“I think his interpretation of the events was obviously his own interpretation and inaccurate. It’s probably led to now, where it’s hard to trust anything about that and it looks like there’s been some sort of cover-up from us and him, which is not the case,” Gould said.

Josh Addo-Carr had been ruled out with a knee injury but was fit to play the elimination final. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

“Anyway, it will all come out with the police. We know they have now been in touch with NRL integrity. But Josh vehemently defends himself.”

The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs said the club was offering Addo-Carr appropriate support.

“While we treat this issue with utmost seriousness, Josh’s welfare is our highest priority at this time,” the club said in a statement.

“In the meantime, our focus remains steadfast on preparation for Sunday’s match.

Originally published as Bulldogs star returns second positive drug test