Bulldogs flyer Josh Addo-Carr has reportedly been called upon to front the NRL Integrity Unit as the fallout of his pair of positive road side drug test continues.
Rugby league supremo Phil Gould went in to bat for Addo-Carr last week, backing Addo-Carr’s claims he was innocent and hadn’t taken cocaine.
However, the results of his second test came back positive, with Bulldogs officials set to meet on Monday to discuss their superstar’s punishment.
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Now the NRL have begun their own investigation into the situation with a ban and a fine looming for the high-profile winger.
“He’s been summoned into NRL headquarters basically to explain himself, what he was doing in the car, why did he tell Phil Gould he didn’t take any illicit substance,” The Daily Telegraph’s Phil Rothfield said on NRL360.
“They will take it from there, they will do a thorough investigation. He will then get breached, whether it’s a fine, I’m suggesting more likely a three to four week suspension.
“Then he’s got Canterbury to face and he genuinely still says, even though he paid the fine, that he did not use cocaine.”
Addo-Carr has accepted the $682 fine and three-month driving suspension handed down to him by NSW Police, meaning he will avoid a court appearance.
However, Addo-Carr’s biggest punishment could be a contract termination, with The Australian’s Brent Read tipping he will be sacked by the Bulldogs.
”I think Canterbury is the bigger issue, the NRL will obviously weigh in with whatever they do, but Canterbury’s call will be the big one for him,” he said.
“That will determine whether he’s got a deal or not, it’s in the balance… I think there’s every chance they do (sack him).”
Meanwhile, rugby league legend Braith Anasta added: “What I think is, it’s not just the test, it’s the lying”.
And Rothfield agreed, questioning how Addo-Carr is still pleading his innocence despite a pair of positive drug tests.
“It definitely adds to it and I can’t explain why, but Josh still insists he did not use the substance that he’s tested positive to,” Rothfield said.
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“It doesn’t work, I don’t understand it and I can’t explain it.”
Addo-Carr could seen be one of the biggest names on the market should he be let go, and Read is certain rival clubs will table an offer for his services.
The Eels were floated as a potential destination, however that was shot down, with rookie coach Jason Ryles in the midst of a roster rebuild.
Addo-Carr will also likely have to take a pay cut on his next contract, with his current deal worth $550,000 per-season running out at the end of 2025.
“I think a club will take Josh Addo-Carr for sure… he might have to take a hair cut but a club will make him an offer, there’s no doubt about that,” Read said.
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