Josh Addo-Carr thanks fans and club in first statement since being sacked by Bulldogs

Josh Addo-Carr has thanked Bulldogs fans and the club in his first statement since being sacked with immediate effect.

Addo-Carr’s fate was sealed on Thursday when the Australian Test winger was forced to front the Bulldogs board of directors and explain why he shouldn’t have his contract torn up.

It came after the 29-year-old was pulled over by NSW Police in September, a week out from the club’s first finals games in eight years.

The 15-time NSW State of Origin representative failed the roadside test and a secondary sample returned the same outcome.

Addo-Carr has maintained he had not knowingly ingested recreational drugs and had held faint hope he would be given a reprieve by Canterbury powerbrokers.

On Friday morning, Addo-Carr posted an emotional message on Instagram, thanking fans for their support.

“To all the Bulldogs fans and family, thank you for a memorable 3 years. 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,” he said on Instagram.

“I’d also like to thank my team mates and coaching staff. We built a brotherhood that will last forever and will miss our time together on and off the field. ✊🏾

“I came to the Bulldogs in 2022, a time when the club was struggling and at a low point. 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 3 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 fans nothing but success.

“Much love, Fox.”

Bulldogs chairman Adam Druissi explained the club’s decision to sack Addo-Carr.

“Josh has been a significant part of our club over the past three seasons,” he said in a statement on Thursday.

“During this time, he has provided many memorable moments for our members and fans.

“We understand Josh’s popularity with our passionate supporter base, and we share their disappointment that his time with the club has ended this way.

“However, this season has demonstrated the importance of building a culture based on clear standards and values.

“While the NRL Integrity Unit has completed its investigation and imposed a four-match suspension, the club views the combination of the failed drug test and subsequent lack of transparency as serious breaches of Josh’s contractual obligations and our club’s standards.”

In axing Addo-Carr, Canterbury will clear close to $500,000 from their salary cap at a time when the NRL’s transfer market is set to kick into overdrive.

Addo-Carr will likely have several suitors but may not command the top dollar he earned when he was lured to Belmore from Melbourne in 2021.

The winger has been given permission to negotiate with rivals since news of his second positive reading came to light but has been unable to secure a move elsewhere.

Addo-Carr will have to serve the remaining three games of his four-game ban in the 2025 season.

His NRL suspension was also accompanied by a $15,000 fine.

- With AAP