Josh Addo-Carr banned and hit with breach notice over punch up brawl

The NRL have come down hard on Canterbury Bulldogs star Josh Addo-Carr after he was involved in an ugly brawl over the weekend.

Josh Addo-Carr. Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images.

Josh Addo-Carr has been hit with a breach notice by the NRL after copping a two match ban after his involvement in an ugly brawl.

The Bulldogs flyer was selected in Mal Meninga’s Kangaroos squad on Tuesday, but the veteran coach was forced to deal with the big selection drama of calling up Panthers star Dylan Edwards.

The Sydney Morning Herald first reported Addo-Carr was told about the suspension on Wednesday night following an investigation into the ugly brawl at the Koori Knockout on the NSW Central Coast. The incident remains under police investigation.

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On Friday morning things got worse for the star as the NRL issued him with a Breach Notice, alleging a breach of the NRL Code of Conduct following an investigation by the league’s Integrity Unit.

“It is alleged Addo-Carr engaged in conduct which has brought the game into disrepute by punching an opposition player to the head following a match at the NSW Annual Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout Competition,” an NRL media release read.

“Addo-Carr has 5 business days to respond to the Breach Notice.”

Josh Addo-Carr is one of the biggest Indigenous names in rugby league. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images.

The loss of Addo-Carr is a big blow for Meninga with the former Melbourne Storm winger proving to be one of the Kangaroos’ most prolific try scorers in recent years.

“We’re not going to comment on the Addo-Carr situation because it’s with the integrity unit, and we’ll let them do their investigation,” Meninga said on Tuesday after selecting Addo-Carr in his squad.

Footage from the Koori Knockout brawl appears to show punches were thrown during a match between Addo-Carr’s All Blacks team an a Wallgett side that included incoming Rabbitoh Jack Wighton.

Addo-Carr reportedly left the scene before police were called.

In a statement to news.com.au, NSW Police said that the fight broke out when spectators attempted to break up the on-field fight.

“About 1.45pm (Saturday 30 September 2023), two teams were playing as part of a rugby league carnival at a sporting complex at Tuggerah, when an on-field fight broke out,” the statement said.

“Some players and spectators attempted to break up the fight, which then spread off-field, whilst others became involved.

“Police and event security broke up the brawl a short time later and the crowd dispersed, before the game was called off.

Jack Wighton, Latrell Mitchell and Josh Addo-Carr celebrate with the Aboriginal flag at the Rugby League World Cup. Photo by George Wood/Getty Images.

“There are no reports of injuries at this time.

“Police from Tuggerah Lakes Police District are working closely with event organisers and NSW Rugby League.”

Bulldogs general manager of football Phil Gould took to Twitter to address the incident in a since-deleted tweet, confirming the club had been in contact with Addo-Carr.

“Bulldogs have spoken personally to Josh Addo-Carr and he is fine,” Gould said.

“No issues at all. Unfortunate incident, but he’s taken no harm. More as it comes to hand.”

The tournament is one of the biggest Indigenous sporting events in the country, and brings together 150 teams from around Australia to showcase some of the nation’s top Indigenous rugby league talent.

Over 40,000 people are expected to brave scorching weekend temperatures to attend the tournament, which is being held at the Central Coast Regional Sporting and Recreation Complex at Tuggerah.