NRL 2024: Josh Addo-Carr sacked by Canterbury Bulldogs after drug scandal

Josh Addo-Carr has played his last game for the Bulldogs after being sacked by the club he says he joined at its lowest point hoping to make a change. Read his statement here.

Josh Addo-Carr’s Bulldogs career is over, after being sacked by the club. Picture: Getty Images

Josh Addo-Carr has thanked the Bulldog faithful after being sacked by the club.

The winger has played his final game for Canterbury after the board axed him on Thursday night.

“I’d like to begin by thanking the fans for making me feel so welcome at the club,” Addo-Carr said. “I came to the Bulldogs at its lowest point to make a change. I hope I did that for you all.

“Unfortunately, circumstances won’t allow me to be at the Bulldogs any longer, and I wish the club and especially their fan’s nothing but success.”

DOGS NOT SWAYED BY ADDO-CARR PLEAS

Canterbury sacked Addo-Carr from the final year of his $550,000 contract despite the star winger pleading his case in a 45-minute meeting at Belmore Sports Ground on Thursday afternoon.

He walked through the gates at Belmore Sports Ground for the final time as a Bulldog as he fronted the club’s hierarchy to try and explain why he should not be sacked.

That argument would count for nothing as just two hours later the board decided to sack their once marquee signing.

Josh Addo-Carr’s Bulldogs career is over, after being sacked by the club. Picture: Getty Images

Addo-Carr - alongside agent Mario Tartak and prominent lawyer Elias Tabchouri - arrived for the 3:30pm meeting about 15 minutes ahead of schedule.

He was also supported by RLPA legal counsel Sam Skinner.

Bulldogs chairman Adam Driussi said the decision to part ways with Addo-Carr “was not made lightly”.

Addo-Carr pictured arriving at Belmore Sports Ground where he fronted the Bulldogs board over his alleged drug driving scandal. Picture: Johnathan Ng

“However, this season has demonstrated the importance of building a culture based on clear standards and values. While the NRL integrity unit has completed its investigation and imposed a four-match suspension, the club views the combination of the failed drug test and subsequent lack of transparency as serious breaches of Josh’s contractual obligations and our club’s standards.

“Supporting our players remains a fundamental priority for our club, with comprehensive welfare programs that go well beyond just football.

“While we will always stand by our players through difficult times, we can only do this effectively when there is complete trust and transparency.”

Addo-Carr went into the meeting about half an hour after arriving. Head of football Phil Gould and coach Cameron Ciraldo also had a say in the decision.

'Proud to be a Bulldog' was posted to Addo-Carr’s social media on Thursday. Picture: Instagram

Attention will turn to who will sign Addo-Carr. The Dragons have shown the most interest in the 29-year-old who was once the game’s best winger.

St George Illawarra want to land Clint Gutherson immediately before they shift their attention to Addo-Carr.

Addo-Carr is looking for a two year deal worth about $500,000 per season.

The development comes almost six weeks after accepting a $682 fine and three-month suspension from driving for allegedly testing positive to cocaine.

The NRL suspended Addo-Carr for four matches and fined him $15,000.

Members of the Dragons board will need to meet with Addo-Carr before they consider offering him a deal.

Originally published as NRL 2024: Josh Addo-Carr sacked by Canterbury Bulldogs after drug scandal