Canterbury Bulldogs star Josh Addo-Carr has returned a second positive drugs reading, following his much-publicised roadside test in Sydney last week and may have played his last game for the club with officials to consider the possibility of tearing up his lucrative contract.
The Bulldogs confirmed the positive test on a second sample on Friday.
The winger will miss their do-or-die elimination final clash with Manly on Sunday after voluntarily standing himself down from the match, after reports surfaced his roadside test taken in Wentworth Point on Friday contained traces of cocaine.
His lawyer, Elias Tabchouri, issued a statement on Friday to say his client was unaware of how the drug got into his system.
“Josh was issued with an infringement notice from NSW Police in relation to positive test results,” Tabchouri said.
“This matter has had a dramatic impact on Josh and his family. It has also been a distraction from a significant game for his beloved Bulldogs. Despite the fact that Josh maintains he has never knowingly ingested any illegal drugs, he has decided to pay the infringement and bring this matter to an end legally.
“He appreciates all the support from the club, particularly the general manager, Phil Gould, and coach Cameron Ciraldo. Finally, he wishes to thank his family, management and his teammates and the fans for all their support.”
Josh Addo-Carr celebrates scoring a try. (Photo by Jeremy Ng/Getty Images)
The Dogs had earlier released a club statement to say they had been “advised that NRL Squad member Josh Addo-Carr has returned a positive result on the second sample taken on Friday night (September 6) at a NSW Police random roadside illicit drug test.
“Josh has left training to be with his manager, Mario Tartak. The club is offering Josh appropriate support during this difficult period.
“The Bulldogs are committed to following the appropriate protocols with regards to the player’s contract and CBA and will work with the NRL Integrity unit, the player and his management team accordingly throughout further investigations.
“While we treat this issue with utmost seriousness, Josh’s welfare is our highest priority at this time. We will not be making any further comment until more information is available to the club. We request that the privacy of Josh and his family be respected during this challenging time.
“In the meantime, our focus remains steadfast on preparation for Sunday’s match.”
It was reported a home invasion call midway through the test prevented proper protocols from taking place, but the 29-year old was tested orally a second time following an initial positive test, with the results returning on Friday.
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“About 10.45pm on Friday, officers attached to Auburn Police Area Command were patrolling Baywater Drive, Wentworth Point, when they stopped a Toyota hatchback for random testing,” the police statement of the roadside test reads.
“The driver – a 29-year-old man – was subject to a roadside breath test which returned a negative result. The driver underwent a preliminary drug wipe, which allegedly returned a positive indication.
“An oral fluid sample was obtained and sent for further analysis. At this time, an urgent call for assistance was received in relation to a reported attempted home invasion on Church Street, Lidcombe, about 10.54pm.
“A secondary drug wipe was not conducted as officers were required to respond to the urgent call. Auburn Police Area Command has reviewed the incident and is satisfied with the actions of the officers involved.
“The investigation is ongoing, as police await the results of the forensic analysis. No charges have been laid at this time.”
Addo-Carr told Bulldogs officials on Saturday morning the first test was inconclusive, but he was in the clear as he was able to drive after the test.
Before the revelation on Monday that police were investigating the matter further, Bulldogs director of football and Channel 9 commentator Phil Gould took to X to dismiss the rumours as containing ‘absolutely no truth’.
Addo-Carr is contracted to the Bulldogs until the end of 2025, and has played a crucial role in Cameron Ciraldo’s team reaching the NRL finals for the first time since 2016.
Speaking on Friday morning, Ciraldo said the absence of Addo-Carr amid the drama of his week wouldn’t serve to give the Bulldogs any motivation when they take on the Sea Eagles at Homebush.
“Our guys are pretty galvanised as is. They’re a tight group, they work hard, they love each other, so we don’t need anything else to motivate them,” he said.“If we’re not motivated by what we’re about to do this Sunday then we’ve got other problems.”
The NRL has not issued Addo-Carr with a stand-down notice and are yet to comment on the matter, meaning he could return from his self-imposed absence should the Bulldogs win through to a semi-final; however, the new positive test now makes that appear exceedingly unlikely.
Gould on Tuesday said that if Addo-Carr’s secondary sample came back positive, his future at the club would fall under the spotlight.
“There are sanctions to that and precedence for that,” Gould said. “If it came back positive, Josh would have to explain how it got in his system.
“Because he is adamant, and I mean vehemently adamant, that he has not taken the drugs.”