The Canterbury Bulldogs have immediately terminated Josh Addo-Carr’s contract after the star winger failed two roadside drug tests last month.

The decision came Thursday when Addo-Carr appeared before the club’s board of directors to defend his position. The 29-year-old Australian Test player was unable to convince the board to maintain his contract.

The incident occurred in September when NSW Police pulled over Addo-Carr just one week before the club’s first finals appearance in eight years. Both his initial test and a secondary sample returned positive readings for recreational drugs.

Bulldogs chairman Adam Druissi acknowledged Addo-Carr’s contributions to the team while explaining the decision.

”Josh has been a significant part of our club over the past three seasons,” Druissi said. “However, this season has demonstrated the importance of building a culture based on clear standards and values.”

The club cited both the failed drug test and Addo-Carr’s “lack of transparency” as serious breaches of his contract obligations. Despite Addo-Carr’s claims that he had not knowingly taken any recreational drugs, the board proceeded with the termination.

The NRL Integrity Unit has already completed its investigation, resulting in a four-match suspension for Addo-Carr and a $15,000 fine. Three games of the suspension will carry over to the 2025 season.

The termination will free up approximately $500,000 in the Bulldogs’ salary cap as the NRL’s transfer market prepares to intensify.

While Addo-Carr, a 15-time NSW State of Origin representative, has been permitted to negotiate with other clubs since his second positive test, he has not yet secured a new position. Industry experts suggest he may not command the same salary he received when joining Canterbury from Melbourne in 2021.

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