Josh Addo-Carr has taken up a job labouring on a building site just days after being sacked by the Canterbury Bulldogs for an off-field incident.
Addo-Carr’s stint with the Bulldogs ended after the winger tested positive to cocaine following a roadside drug test in September that saw him stand himself down for the club’s first finals match in eight years.
Addo-Carr had given a version of events that led to the club backing him at the time, but officials were angered when his statements didn’t tally with police evidence.
The talented winger, who was earning almost $10,000 a week playing in the NRL, is intent on keeping his football career alive.
Addo-Carr has been getting up for boxing training at 5am with iconic Aussie trainer Johnny Lewis before joining ex-pug Garth Wood on the tools as a landscaper.
‘I’ve got a point to prove. I want to show people I’m not done,’ Addo-Carr told News Corp.
‘I’ve been doing some boxing sessions with Johnny Lewis for the past week at Erskineville.
‘In the last few days, Garth asked me if I wanted to do some work.
‘He was a boxer and he knows what it’s like to be in touch with reality working every day.
‘It’s certainly been a reality check.
‘It’s definitely tough getting up and working day in, day out like many footy fans do every day.
‘I’m up early for boxing training and then I’m coming to work and getting stuck in with the labouring.
‘People out there who do this sort of work on the tools every day, it’s bloody tough mate.
‘Hopefully this hard work pays off.’
Addo-Carr’s career at the Bulldogs ended when the club terminated his contract following a board meeting on Thursday afternoon.
The winger afterwards issued a short statement thanking his fans during his time at Belmore.
‘To all the Bulldogs fans and family, thank you for a memorable 3 years. The love and support you’ve shown me since I arrived at Belmore has always been amazing and the memories will last foreverm,’ he posted.
‘Bulldogs Sponsors and board thank you for on going support, I appreciate you all.
‘I’d also like to thank my team mates and coaching staff. We built a brotherhood that will last forever and will miss our time together on and off the field.
‘I came to the Bulldogs in 2022, a time when the club was struggling and at a low point.
‘I wanted to help bring back the club to the powerhouse it once was and most importantly, I wanted to help build a winning culture,’ Addo-Carr continued.
‘In 3 years, I’m proud to be a part of that turnaround.
‘Unfortunately, circumstances won’t allow me to be at the Bulldogs any longer but I wish the club, my team mates and most importantly the fan’s nothing but success.’
The Eels and Dragons have been linked with his services for the 2025 season, with Addo-Carr set to be one of the most in-demand players on the open market.
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