In a bold and heartfelt address to the Canterbury Bulldogs, rugby league legend Greg Alexander has issued a clear warning: do not let Josh Addo-Carr slip away. Amid rumors that the club may allow Addo-Carr to leave before the end of his contract, Alexander is urging the Bulldogs to reconsider, highlighting the devastating impact such a decision could have on the team.
Speaking from decades of experience, both as a player and an advisor, Alexander knows the long-term value of retaining talent like Addo-Carr. The Bulldogs must weigh their options carefully because once a player of Addo-Carr’s caliber is gone, the repercussions could last far longer than they expect.
“Josh Addo-Carr is more than just a winger,” Alexander said. “He’s a game-changer, a spark that can turn a match on its head in a matter of seconds. You can’t just let a player like that walk away, especially not over something that can be worked through.”
Alexander referenced his own playing days, recalling how key players like himself could make all the difference during tough times. “Teams with players like Addo-Carr are always in the contest, always have a chance. Losing him would be a blow that the Bulldogs might not recover from.”
For Canterbury, Addo-Carr’s on-field brilliance is undeniable. His explosive pace and try-scoring ability are what have made him one of the most feared wingers in the NRL. And while the club has depth in the outside backs, none possess the unique game-changing qualities that Addo-Carr brings. Alexander is urging the Bulldogs to look beyond the current off-field distractions and see the long-term potential.
Alexander drew parallels between Addo-Carr’s situation and his own career, particularly the tough times after the death of his younger brother and teammate Ben Alexander in 1992. “When Ben passed, it was one of the darkest moments of my life, both personally and professionally. I struggled to find my way back, but Penrith stood by me, and that loyalty helped me return stronger.”
He emphasized that Addo-Carr is facing challenges off the field, but these are not insurmountable. “The Bulldogs need to show that same loyalty. Mistakes happen. We all go through tough times, but that’s when a club should stand behind its players. Josh deserves the chance to work through this and come out the other side.”
Alexander is no stranger to overcoming adversity. After struggling with personal grief, he found his way back onto the field and led the Panthers to future success. “I’m living proof that loyalty pays off, and clubs that back their players in hard times reap the rewards later on,” he said.
Alexander’s message to the Bulldogs is simple: don’t make the mistake of thinking Addo-Carr is replaceable. He pointed to the talent and depth in the NRL, noting that rival clubs would be lining up for a chance to sign the superstar winger.
“Do you really want to watch Josh Addo-Carr, in another jersey, running down the sideline and scoring against you?” Alexander asked. “Because that’s what will happen if Canterbury lets him go. You’ll not only lose one of your best players, but you’ll also strengthen a rival. That’s a double blow that no club wants to face.”
Andrew Johns has already suggested that Addo-Carr could land at South Sydney under Wayne Bennett, where he would slot in perfectly among their outside backs. For Canterbury fans, watching one of their stars succeed elsewhere would be heartbreaking.
“Don’t wait until it’s too late,” Alexander warned. “Act now. Show Josh that he’s valued. Give him the support he needs. Because once he’s gone, it’s not just about filling a spot on the team sheet – it’s about losing the heart of your attack.”
Alexander also highlighted the importance of building for the future, and how keeping Addo-Carr should be a crucial part of the Bulldogs’ strategy moving forward. “Clubs are always looking for their next star, their next leader. Josh is already that for Canterbury. Why would you let that go?”
With Addo-Carr contracted until the end of 2025, Alexander believes there is still time for the Bulldogs to solidify their relationship with the winger and ensure he remains a key part of the club’s future. “By standing behind him now, the Bulldogs will not only send a message to Addo-Carr but to the entire team – that they back their players, through thick and thin.”
The Bulldogs’ fans, too, would be devastated by the loss of Addo-Carr. He is not only a star on the field but a fan favorite, especially among the Indigenous community. His presence at the club brings a unique energy that few players can match, and losing him could dampen team spirit and fan engagement.
Alexander’s message is clear: Canterbury Bulldogs must act before it’s too late. Addo-Carr has had some bumps along the way, but his potential and value far outweigh these setbacks. The Bulldogs cannot afford to let him go – especially not when other clubs are ready to pounce.
“You don’t want to be the club that let a superstar walk away over something that could be fixed with the right support,” Alexander concluded. “Do what’s right, before it’s too late.”
For the Bulldogs, keeping Josh Addo-Carr could be the key to maintaining their competitive edge in the NRL. For the fans, for the team, and for the future, Greg Alexander’s plea couldn’t be more urgent: retain your stars, and build around them. Because once they’re gone, getting them back might be impossible.
