‘Im spewing I couldn’t go’: Josh Addo-Carr opens up on why he had to pull the pin on All Stars

Josh Addo-Carr desperately wanted to represent the Indigenous All Stars, but instead he’ll sit out after one of the toughest calls of his career.

There’s a new vibe at the Bulldogs and Josh Addo-Carr is loving it. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

A heartbroken Josh Addo-Carr has opened up on the decision to withdraw from the Indigenous All Stars team as he and the Bulldogs plot a return to the old days where success in Belmore was as common as Sydney’s summer rain.

The Bulldogs speedster has been one of the most influential figures in the Indigenous camp over the years, scoring a double on his debut in 2019 and emerging as a leader on and off the field in one of his proudest roles.

Addo-Carr captained the side last year but pulled out of Saturday’s game in Rotorua, conceding his mind and body simply aren’t where they need to be for such an important event.

Josh Addo-Carr is shattered to miss out on representing the Indigenous All Stars. Picture: AAP Image/Dave Hunt

It comes after he played 23 matches last year in what was his first season for Canterbury, followed by an incredible World Cup campaign in the UK that then led to a much-needed holiday.

It meant he got back a week before the pre-season started, leaving him not enough time to get to peak physical condition.

“It was extremely tough. It’s something I absolutely love doing, but I just felt like the body and mind needed to get right,” Addo-Carr told NCA NewsWire.

“I’ve had probably less than a month (of training). I made the decision based on that alone.

“It is a physical game and I’m probably expected to play the whole game in All Stars, so I just wanted to get everything right. I need to look after the body a bit more because I’m not getting any younger.

“It’s one of the best experiences any player can be a part of. I’m spewing I couldn’t go over to New Zealand and be with my family to celebrate my culture.

“I really love being a part of that, but there’s no use me going over there if I can’t give it my all because I’m not fully fit.”

The winger still hasn’t fully recovered from a draining 2022 season that ended in World Cup glory. Picture: Gareth Copley/Getty Images

The electrifying winger is unsure whether he’ll play in Canterbury’s second trial match next week against the Sharks, but if he does, it will only be for 20 minutes.

That game will be played in Belmore where the vibe is a lot different to what it’s been in recent years, with new coach Cameron Ciraldo and star recruits Viliame Kikau and Reed Mahoney ready to take the club back to the finals for the first time since 2016.

“Everyone loves coming to training now. It’s as simple as that,” Addo-Carr said as the rain pelted down at Belmore Stadium.

“Don’t get me wrong, it’s been really hard, but everyone just loves rocking up each day and being around each other.

“Ciro and the coaching staff have brought everyone together, and I mean everyone from the playing group to the coaches to the entire community.

“For us, it’s now about executing how we want to play.

“I’ve had to learn a new system, which is another reason why I pulled out, and I just need a bit more time to get used to everything and the new players next to me.”

Addo-Carr wants to win back his Origin jersey. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

While the Bulldogs are his main priority, Addo-Carr knows State of Origin talk will ramp up the moment the season starts as he looks to win back his spot after being sensationally left out of last year’s side.

He said there was no chip on his shoulder at the World Cup where he scored a whopping 12 tries in five games, but it was a timely reminder to see how important his speed and flair can be at the highest level.

“It’s always the goal,” he replied when asked about playing for the Blues.

“I’m just going to focus on what I have to do for the team here. I let my footy do the talking now. My focus is on the Bulldogs where I want to play consistent and entertaining footy with my teammates.”

Originally published as ‘Im spewing I couldn’t go’: Josh Addo-Carr opens up on why he had to pull the pin on All Stars