A Heart Still Divided: Josh Addo-Carr’s Connection to the Canterbury Bulldogs
Josh Addo-Carr, the 29-year-old NRL winger, has revealed in a recent interview on the Let’s Trot podcast that he still feels a deep connection to the Canterbury Bulldogs, despite his tumultuous exit from the club last October. The termination of his $550,000-per-year contract came after Addo-Carr tested positive for cocaine during a police roadside drug test in September. His three seasons with the Bulldogs had solidified his status as a club favorite, making his departure all the more challenging. "I did (have a connection to the Bulldogs), and I still feel it today," Addo-Carr shared. "I’m so grateful to have been part of such a strong club, a strong community. The fans will hold a very special place in my heart. They showed nothing but love to me and my family, especially my son ‘little Fox’ and my daughter Shakira as well."
A Tough Decision and Its Aftermath
The abrupt termination of Addo-Carr’s contract was a significant blow, not only to his professional life but also to his personal well-being. In the days following the incident, Addo-Carr faced the Bulldogs’ executives and made a heartfelt plea for them to reconsider. However, the club’s statement was unequivocal: despite his standing within the organization, "the failed drug test and subsequent lack of transparency" constituted "serious breaches of his contractual obligations and the club’s standards." The emotional and financial impact of this decision was profound, but Addo-Carr’s resilience and support system played a crucial role in helping him move forward. "It was tough, but you just have to move on," he said, reflecting on the difficult period. "I’ve moved on from it. The Dogs have moved on, and the NRL has moved on. I’m at a period in my life where I’m happy at the club I’m at today, and I just want to move on from everything."
Finding a New Path: Joining the Parramatta Eels
Eighteen days after his exit from the Bulldogs, Addo-Carr signed a deal to join the Parramatta Eels for the 2025 season, with an option for the following year that is in the club’s favor. This swift transition to a new team was a testament to his value as a player, but it did not come without its emotional toll. The New South Wales representative has since spoken about the challenges of moving on from a club where he had spent so much time and formed so many bonds. Despite the initial difficulty, he expressed his satisfaction with his current situation. "The main thing is that I’m happy," Addo-Carr said. "What was said was said, and I just want to move on now."
A Return to Roots: Labouring Work and Family Support
In the immediate aftermath of his suspension, Addo-Carr found solace in manual labor and the unwavering support of his family. He took up work on a building site, a job that, while far removed from the high-octane world of professional rugby league, provided a sense of normalcy and purpose. "It was very, very tough, but I had the right people in my corner at the time," he reminisced. "My family was there, and I spent a lot of time with them during that period. Just trying to stay as busy as I could, going to work sites, kicking back with my family, and doing a bit of training here and there. It helped me keep my mind turning over while I was dealing with a lot of stuff."
Reflecting on the Past: Pride and Gratitude
Addo-Carr’s journey with the Bulldogs began when he joined the team from Melbourne in 2022, and he quickly became a pivotal player, making 152 appearances and contributing significantly to the club’s resurgence. His pride in being part of the Bulldogs’ revival is evident. "I took a chance on the club when no one else did, so I’m very proud of that," he said. "To see where they are now, I can say that I was a part of that. I’m so proud to be a Bulldog." Despite the challenging circumstances of his departure, Addo-Carr’s words reflect a deep sense of gratitude and respect for the time he spent with the club and the fans who supported him.
Looking Forward: A Fresh Start with the Eels
As Addo-Carr prepares to make his debut with the Parramatta Eels, he is serving the final two games of his suspension. Interestingly, his first match with the Eels could be against his former club, the Bulldogs, in round three. "I’m so proud to be a Bulldog, and I still have a close connection to the club," he said, adding a layer of complexity to his upcoming debut. Addo-Carr is happy in his new environment, and he has already made keen observations about the Eels. His blend of past loyalty and present enthusiasm underscores his commitment to his new team while acknowledging the significance of his Bulldogs tenure. As he continues to move forward, Addo-Carr’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of resilience and the power of family support in the face of adversity.
