Josh Addo-Carr has stirred controversy with his blunt take on the Canterbury Bulldogs’ title ambitions, claiming his former club is far from being a genuine contender. Now with the Parramatta Eels, the star winger didn’t hold back when assessing the Bulldogs’ prospects, insisting they lack the firepower to compete with the NRL’s elite.
Having made the switch to the Eels, Addo-Carr has now shared his thoughts on the state of his former team, suggesting that the Bulldogs are in a transitional phase rather than in contention for a title.
“I respect the club and the boys over there, but if we’re being honest, they’re not a real threat right now,” Addo-Carr said. “When a team loses key players who built strong chemistry, it’s always tough to bounce back. That rhythm gets disrupted, and it takes time to rebuild.”
His remarks have sparked strong reactions, especially among Bulldogs fans who still feel disappointed by his departure. However, Addo-Carr insists there is no ill intent behind his words—just a realistic take on where the club stands.
“I know some people will take it the wrong way, but real fans will understand. I’m not here to take shots at the club. I’m just calling it how I see it,” he added.
Given the circumstances surrounding his exit, many have questioned whether Addo-Carr’s comments stem from resentment over how his time at the Bulldogs ended. Reports suggested he was unhappy with the way things were handled behind the scenes, and his relationship with the club’s management reportedly became strained.
However, Addo-Carr denies any bitterness and says he wishes the club well, despite his belief that they are not yet in a position to challenge for the premiership.
“People can say what they want, but I’ve moved on. I had great times at the Bulldogs, but I’m focused on the Eels now. This is just my honest opinion on where they stand at the moment,” he explained.
Unsurprisingly, Addo-Carr’s remarks haven’t gone down well with some Bulldogs fans, who view them as an unnecessary jab at his former club. Many have taken to social media to express their frustration, with some calling his comments disrespectful.
However, others admit that the winger may have a point. The Bulldogs have undergone significant changes, losing key players and working under a new system. While there is optimism about the club’s long-term future, even some of the most loyal fans acknowledge that they may not be immediate contenders.
“Josh is entitled to his opinion, but we believe in what we’re building here. We’ve got a strong squad and a vision for the future. Let’s see what happens on the field.”
If there’s one thing that can fuel a team, it’s proving doubters wrong—especially when those doubts come from a former player. The Bulldogs will no doubt use Addo-Carr’s words as motivation heading into the new season.
Head coach Cameron Ciraldo has been vocal about changing the club’s culture and pushing for higher standards.
“People can say what they want, but we know what we’re building here. We’re focused on our work, not the outside noise,” Ciraldo recently stated.
While the Bulldogs may not be considered title favorites right now, the challenge has been set. Will they rise to the occasion and prove Addo-Carr wrong, or will his bold assessment turn out to be accurate? One thing is for sure—the rivalry just got a little more interesting.
