Josh Addo-Carr's second drug test for cocaine has come back positive, according to police sources.
The Daily Telegraph first reported the news on Friday afternoon, saying "police sources said the second test was shown to be positive on the same day".
The Sydney Morning Herald confirmed the news, with the 29-year-old's lawyer saying the police had informed his client of the result.
Police informed our office this afternoon that the secondary test carried out by Josh Addo-Carr has returned a positive result," Elias Tabchouri told The Herald.
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"Police informed our office this afternoon that the secondary test carried out by Josh Addo Carr has returned a positive result. We are dealing with the situation in conjunction with Josh and will determine a path moving forward in due…
It caps off a hectic week for the Bulldogs on the eve of their first finals clash since 2016, with Addo-Carr initially testing positive via a preliminary drug wipe at a roadside drug test on Friday September 6th.
Police say they were unable to conduct a secondary drug wipe at the time due to being called away for an urgent incident in the nearby area, however an oral fluid sample was obtained with results coming back on Friday.
To make matters more confusing, Bulldogs GM of football Phil Gould initially defended Addo-Carr, releasing a statement on X outlining his belief the drug test was negative; he backtracked on his stance as the true nature of the incident came clear.
With the investigations still ongoing, Addo-Carr stood himself down from selection for this weekends elimination final against the Bulldogs, though the winger denied he had conducted in any use of illegal drugs.
"We are dealing with the situation in conjunction with Josh and will determine a path moving forward in due course," Tabchouri told The Daily Telegraph.
Canterbury Bulldogs release statement on Addo-Carr drug test
The Bulldogs released a statement about an hour after the news of Addo-Carr's positive test broke:
"The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs have been advised that NRL Squad member Josh Addo-Carr has returned a positive result on the second sample taken on Friday night (September 6) at a NSW Police random roadside illicit drug test,"the statement said.
"Josh has left training to be with his manager, Mario Tartak. The club is offering Josh appropriate support during this difficult period. The Bulldogs are committed to following the appropriate protocols with regards to the player’s contract and CBA and will work with the NRL Integrity unit, the player and his management team accordingly throughout further investigations.
"While we treat this issue with utmost seriousness, Josh’s welfare is our highest priority at this time. We will not be making any further comment until more information is available to the club. We request that the privacy of Josh and his family be respected during this challenging time. In the meantime, our focus remains steadfast on preparation for Sunday’s match."
The Bulldogs play the Sea Eagles in an elimination final on Sunday.
