Josh Addo-Carr issues statement on Bulldogs sacking

Former Bulldogs winger Josh Addo-Carr has said he is thankful for “a memorable three years” at Canterbury-Bankstown, in his first statement since being terminated from the NRL club on Thursday.

The Bulldogs board announced Addo-Carr’s dismissal following a hearing on Thursday, deeming the 29-year-old’s failed drug test and lack of transparency following the September incident to be a serious breach of his contract.

“To all the Bulldogs fans and family, thank you for a memorable three years,” Addo-Carr said in an Instagram post on Friday.

“The love and support you’ve shown me since I arrived at Belmore has always been amazing and the memories will last forever.

“Bulldogs Sponsors and board, thank you for ongoing support, I appreciate you all.

“I’d also like to thank my teammates and coaching staff.

“We built a brotherhood that will last forever and will miss our time together on and off the field.”

Addo-Carr was a significant part of Canterbury’s sixth-place finish in 2024 – the club’s best since 2016 – with the winger scoring 11 tries in 14 appearances.

His failed roadside drug test led him to ruling himself out of the Bulldogs’ first finals match, however, which they subsequently lost to the Manly Sea Eagles, 24-22.

“I came to the Bulldogs in 2022, a time when the club was struggling and at a low point,” his statement continued.

“I wanted to help bring back the club to the powerhouse it once was and most importantly, I wanted to help build a winning culture.

“In three years, I’m proud to be a part of that turnaround.

“Unfortunately, circumstances won’t allow me to be at the Bulldogs any longer but I wish the club, my team mates and most importantly the fan’s nothing but success.”

Despite the loss of their star winger, Canterbury is a strong prospect heading into next season, with NRL betting sites putting the club in the fifth line of betting ($15) to win the premiership.

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