Canterbury Bulldogs General Manager of Football, Phil Gould, has addressed swirling rumors regarding Josh Addo-Carr’s future with the club. The speculation intensified after Addo-Carr’s recent suspension due to failing two roadside drug tests, which kept him out of the 2024 NRL Finals.
With his current contract set to expire at the end of the 2025 season, many industry insiders and fans are wondering if the $550,000-a-year winger might be on his way out of Belmore sooner than anticipated. Recent reports suggest that Addo-Carr could be exploring new opportunities as early as this week.
Gould has weighed in on the situation, confirming that while it’s “too early to say” what will happen, the decision will ultimately be made with the long-term interests of the club in mind. “Right at the moment, there’s a process to go through. He has to front the NRL Integrity Unit this week, they’ve asked for a Zoom meeting with him, so we’ve passed that on to his manager,” Gould explained on 100% Footy.
The Bulldogs are currently in the midst of final medicals and exit interviews for their players, which will factor into decisions about the team’s future direction. Gould noted, “At the end of the day, I’ll come up with a decision on what I think the future of Josh Addo-Carr and the club should be, and I’ll take that to the board and discuss it with the people that count.”
Gould also mentioned that he has not yet had a conversation with Addo-Carr since the second positive test, revealing, “I believe he’s still protesting his innocence. How the substance got into his system is something he needs to work out and explain to the relevant authorities.”
Addo-Carr, affectionately known as ‘The Foxx,’ joined the Bulldogs for the 2022 NRL season and has made a significant impact, featuring in 52 games and scoring 38 tries. His previous stints include successful periods with the Wests Tigers and Melbourne Storm, where he won two premierships and represented both the Australian Kangaroos and NSW Blues.
As the club navigates this challenging situation, the decision about Addo-Carr’s future remains pending, with Gould and the board set to weigh all factors carefully. The outcome will be crucial for both Addo-Carr’s career and the Bulldogs’ strategic planning.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
