Former Bulldogs winger Josh Addo-Carr has acknowledged that working on a Sydney job site following his contract termination has been a “reality check,” yet he wishes Canterbury “nothing but absolute success.”
Addo-Carr, currently in a rugby league hiatus, took up labor work after the Bulldogs ended his contract due to a drug scandal.
The 29-year-old tested positive for cocaine in a roadside drug test and faced further issues after initially denying any drug use.
“I’m always providing for the family,” Addo-Carr told *The Sydney Morning Herald*.
“There are guys out there in the same situation who get up every day to work. They might not love it, but they do it to support their families. That’s what I’ve always done—worked hard.
“The last time I was on the tools was during my time with the Storm in their work program. You can’t forget what others go through, and you need to be grateful for what you have. Working hard has gotten me where I am today. I’ve just got to keep pushing forward.”
Addo-Carr and his team met with the Bulldogs board on Thursday night, leading to his dismissal shortly afterward. He still had a year left on his $550,000-a-year contract.
“Very disappointed. You don’t want to go out like that,” he said.
He expressed his respect for the club’s leadership, saying, “The club is in good hands with Cam, Gus, and Critter [coach Cameron Ciraldo, general manager Phil Gould, and captain Stephen Crichton], three great leaders steering the club in the right direction.”
Reflecting on his time with the team, he added, “I’m proud to have played a small part in the club. I’m proud to be a Bulldog. I wish the Bulldogs nothing but absolute success, including the fans.
“I’ve been there through both the hard times and the good times. I wish them all the best; they’re a wonderful club.”
Addo-Carr is backing himself to find another NRL club.
“The hunger is always there, I live and breathe football,” he said.
“My son plays football, the whole family plays football, I’ve been playing since I was three years of age.
“I’m only 29, I love playing football, my body is in a good position right now.
“I’m loving life. I just need to find another club. I know I will. I’ll keep chipping away.
“I won’t forget to be grateful for what I have.”