Josh Addo-Carr’s future with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs is uncertain, with multiple reports linking the representative winger to a departure.
The 28-year-old was involved in a contentious incident at the Koori Knockout tournament earlier this month, prompting his withdrawal from Mal Meninga’s Australian Kangaroos squad, before it was assumed that peace talks with Bulldogs powerbrokers had resolved the matter.
However, earlier this week, reports surfaced linking the winger with a move to the Parramatta Eels, with News Corp speculating on a potential swap deal involving Ryan Matterson.
Josh Addo-Carr news: Will he leave the Bulldogs?
Phil Gould, the Bulldogs’ head coach, has categorically denied reports that Addo-Carr may leave Belmore.
“I’m not sure who started these rumors.” I’m not sure why they started these rumors. I’m not sure why people believe these rumors; they’ve got me beat,” he told 9News on Thursday.
“I don’t know what’s going on with Josh Addo-Carr and why he’s in the papers at the moment.”
Gould also explained the reason for a recent meeting with Addo-Carr, emphasizing the winger’s importance to the club.
“Josh had an eventful couple of weeks and we just wanted to make sure that he was okay, make sure he was all settled down,” that’s what he said.
“He probably knows he stepped out of the crease a little bit [at the Koori Knockout], but people make mistakes; that’s the way it is.
“I’m not sure where the other rubbish in the papers came from.
“Josh Addo-Carr is an important member of our club. He is extremely popular among the members and fans. He came here for a reason: to help this club rebuild, and we will continue to do so.”
Rumours about Addo-Carr surfaced on the same day that young winger Blake Wilson’s contract was extended.
If Addo-Carr left the club, Wilson and Jacob Kiraz would be the Bulldogs’ only NRL-experienced wingers.
However, a potential swap involving Matterson would strengthen Canterbury’s forward pack, as Luke Thompson, Tevita Pangai Junior, and Corey Waddell all left following Cameron Ciraldo’s difficult rookie season in charge.
The Eels are looking for strike weapons for their backline.
Coach Brad Arthur has been particularly busy in the off-season, attempting to lead the club back into premiership contention in 2024.
The club signed Samoan international Kelma Tuilagi from Manly after the back-rower was granted an early release from his contract, and Morgan Harper also joined from the Sea Eagles to add depth.
Josh Addo-Carr signed a lucrative long-term contract with the Bulldogs after leaving the Storm in 2021. He will be with the club until the end of the 2025 season.
To allow the winger to join an NRL rival, Canterbury would need to agree to release him from the final two years of his contract.
The New South Wales representative is halfway through his four-year contract and has played 38 games for the Bulldogs, scoring 27 tries.
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