Axed Bulldogs winger Josh Addo-Carr has thanked Canterbury fans in a statement following his sacking on Thursday night, two months after the former NSW star tested positive to cocaine in a roadside drug test.
Addo-Carr and his camp met with the Bulldogs board at Belmore Sports Ground and shortly after the embattled flyer was let go.
The 29-year-old had a year to run on his $550,000-a-year contract.
READ MORE: Glaring issue in Test team no one is talking about
READ MORE: Big-money stars hit the NRL market on November 1
READ MORE: Walsh inks richest deal in Broncos history
Joined by his lawyer Elias Tabchouri, his manager Mario Tartak and a representative from the Rugby League Players Association, Addo-Carr pleaded unsuccessfully for the Bulldogs to keep him.
The morning after the decision, Addo-Carr, who’s been earmarked to join the Dragons, expressed gratitude, singling out the team’s passionate supporters.
“I’d like to begin by thanking the fans for making me feel so welcome at the club. I came to the Bulldogs at their lowest point to make a change,” Addo-Carr said in a statement to The Sydney Morning Herald.
“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 fans nothing but success.”
Josh Addo-Carr has been sacked by the Bulldogs. Getty
Addo-Carr vehemently denied that he had taken cocaine, but the testing of two samples returned positive readings.
“This decision was not made lightly and follows careful consideration by the board,” a Bulldogs statement said of Addo-Carr’s axing.
Watch the 2024 Pacific Championships on Nine and 9Now.
“Josh has been a significant part of our club over the past three seasons. During this time, he has provided many memorable moments for our members and fans. We understand Josh’s popularity with our passionate supporter base, and we share their disappointment that his time with the club has ended this way.
“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.”
The NRL suspended the premiership-winning winger until round four of next season and fined him $15,000.
“Supporting our players remains a fundamental priority for our club, with comprehensive welfare programs that go well beyond just football,” the Bulldogs statement said.
“While we will always stand by our players through difficult times, we can only do this effectively when there is complete trust and transparency.
“We wish Josh and his family well for the future. Our welfare team remains available to Josh and his family during this transition.”
