Addo-Carr’s career at crossroads after alleged positive roadside cocaine test
Josh Addo-Carr’s career is again in the balance after the Parramatta star allegedly tested positive to cocaine at a random police roadside test on Friday night.
It’s the second time Addo-Carr has been embroiled in a drugs drama after the representative winger provided a positive roadside test while employed by Canterbury.
Josh Addo-Carr allegedly returned a positive test on Friday night.Getty Images“Josh Addo-Carr and his management are aware of reports concerning a recent alleged incident,” the player’s management firm, Crown Sports International, said in a statement provided to this masthead.
“Josh is currently seeking professional support and is committed to prioritising his health and wellbeing. We respectfully ask that the privacy of Josh and his family be respected during this difficult time.
“As the matter is subject to an ongoing process, no further comment will be made at this stage. Josh is determined to address the challenges before him.”
The latest incident could spell the end of the premiership-winner’s NRL career. Addo-Carr had been selected in the Kangaroos’ provisional 40-man World Cup squad, but is now likely to be dropped.
Josh Addo-Carr.Sam MooyPolice said Addo-Carr had been subjected to a drug wipe, which allegedly returned a positive indication for cocaine, after being stopped for random testing on Enmore Road, Newtown on Friday night. A saliva sample was sent for further testing.
“The investigation is ongoing, as police await the results of the forensic analysis.”
Addo-Carr’s three-year Bulldogs stint came to an end when the club ripped up his contract after he returned a positive result to cocaine at a roadside drug test in September, 2024. The premiership-winning winger had a year remaining on his $500,000-a-season deal.
The Eels threw Addo-Carr a lifeline, which ultimately resulted in a contract renewal. While he is contracted until the end of 2027, it remains to be seen whether he will be able to add to the 224 games and 167 tries he has notched in the NRL.
“The Parramatta Eels are aware of an alleged incident involving Josh Addo-Carr,” the Eels said in a statement. “The club has notified the NRL integrity unit and is cooperating with the appropriate processes, as well as providing welfare support to Josh and his family. The Parramatta Eels will not be commenting further until the matter has been finalised.”
The former Storm flanker maintained he didn’t knowingly take any prohibited drugs during his time at Belmore. In an interview with this masthead at the time, he said he held no grudges against the Bulldogs for their decision.
“Very disappointed, you don’t want to go out like that,” Addo-Carr said in November 2024. “The club is in good hands with Cam, Gus and Critta [coach Cameron Ciraldo, general manager of football Phil Gould and captain Stephen Crichton], three wonderful leaders leading the club in the right direction.
“I’m proud to say I’ve played a little part in the club, I’m proud to be a Bulldog. I wish the Bulldogs nothing but absolute success, including the fans as well.
“I’ve been there through the hard times and the good times. I wish them all the best, they are a wonderful club.”
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