The future of Canterbury Bulldogs star Josh Addo-Carr hangs in the balance after recent developments both on and off the field. The 29-year-old speedster, known for his electrifying pace and try-scoring prowess, is facing a potential exit from the Bulldogs, despite having one more year on his contract. St George Illawarra Dragons have emerged as the frontrunner to secure his services, as they seek to revamp their backline following key player departures.
Addo-Carr, a former Test winger and one of the NRL’s most prolific try-scorers, has been informed by Bulldogs management that he is free to leave the club a year early, despite being contracted through 2025. This decision follows a tumultuous period for Addo-Carr, both on and off the field. His future at Canterbury has been thrown into doubt following a drug-driving arrest and his involvement in a separate off-field incident that has put his standing with the club under scrutiny.
St George Illawarra Dragons have wasted no time positioning themselves as the top contender for Addo-Carr’s signature. The Dragons, buoyed by a significant amount of salary cap space, are looking to strengthen their wide attack after the departure of their star center Zac Lomax, who has signed with Parramatta. Lomax’s exit has left a hole in the Dragons’ backline, and they are keen to bring in Addo-Carr to fill the void.
The Dragons are also reportedly attempting to offload Fijian winger Mikaele Ravalawa, which would further free up cap space and ensure Addo-Carr fits into their plans for 2025 and beyond. Adding a player of Addo-Carr’s caliber would provide the Dragons with a potent attacking weapon and inject experience and leadership into their young squad as they rebuild under head coach Shane Flanagan.
While the Dragons may be eager to secure his services, Addo-Carr’s immediate future is far from certain due to recent off-field controversies. The NRL hit Addo-Carr with a breach notice for bringing the game into disrepute following his drug-driving arrest earlier this month. The incident occurred on September 6, when the winger was pulled over for a roadside test, which returned a positive reading for cocaine.
Addo-Carr has continued to maintain his innocence, claiming that he does not know how the drug entered his system. However, the NRL’s integrity unit has taken a hard stance, with the winger now facing a potential four-game suspension along with a $15,000 fine. This figure includes a $3,000 sanction stemming from Addo-Carr’s involvement in the Koori Knockout brawl last year, an incident that had already placed him under the spotlight.
Despite the seriousness of the allegations, Addo-Carr stood himself down from Canterbury’s elimination final against Manly, which they went on to lose in a narrow 24-22 defeat. His decision to sit out the match may be taken into account when the NRL hands down its final ruling on his suspension. Nevertheless, the legal troubles surrounding the winger have added fuel to the speculation that he may have played his last game for Canterbury.
With Addo-Carr’s future hanging in the balance, the Bulldogs have yet to make a final decision regarding his contract for 2025. There is a chance that the club could terminate the final year of his deal altogether, especially in light of the drug-driving incident and the subsequent breach notice issued by the NRL. Canterbury’s management is carefully considering their options as they navigate the fallout from these events.
Addo-Carr has already accepted a $682 fine from New South Wales Police for the incident and has been handed a three-month driving ban. However, his legal troubles are only part of the equation. The Bulldogs’ decision on whether to retain Addo-Carr for the 2025 season will likely hinge on several factors, including his ongoing commitment to the team, his behavior off the field, and the potential damage to the club’s reputation.
The situation is a complex one, with the Bulldogs needing to balance the winger’s on-field value with the possible risks associated with keeping him on the roster. As a star player, Addo-Carr has been a vital part of the Bulldogs’ offense, but his recent off-field incidents have raised questions about his long-term future at the club.
Addo-Carr has until next Tuesday to respond to the breach notice issued by the NRL. While he continues to claim that he did not knowingly consume illicit drugs, his battle to clear his name may not be enough to save his future at Canterbury. If the club decides to part ways with him, his next destination could very well be St George Illawarra, where the Dragons are eagerly waiting to bolster their squad with his services.
The next few weeks will be critical for Addo-Carr, as he looks to navigate his way through both legal challenges and the uncertain future that lies ahead. For now, the Dragons seem poised to benefit from any fallout, positioning themselves as the likely beneficiaries should Canterbury and Addo-Carr go their separate ways.
Whether Addo-Carr remains in the NRL or seeks opportunities elsewhere, his next chapter promises to be one of the most closely watched in rugby league. The “Foxx,” as he’s affectionately known, has lit up the competition with his speed and finishing ability over the years, and fans across the NRL will be keen to see where he lands in 2025.
