Josh Addo-Carr suspension: Kangaroos star ruled out of Pacific Championships

Liam O'Loughlin

Josh Addo-Carr suspension: Kangaroos star ruled out of Pacific Championships image

Bulldogs star Josh Addo-Carr has been ruled out of the upcoming Pacific Championships, with a recent incident at the Koori Knockout competition set to culminate in a two-game suspension.

After initially being selected in the Kangaroos squad for the tournament against Samoa and New Zealand, the 28-year-old has now been issued with a breach notice following a wild brawl at the annual long weekend tournament.

Addo-Carr - who lined up for the Sydney All Blacks - was one of many NRL stars featured in the event, with the likes of Latrell Mitchell and Jack Wighton also in action on the Central Coast.

The speedster was reportedly knocked out during a wild brawl against Walgett, but is set to be banned for his involvement in the incident and will now be replaced by Panthers fullback Dylan Edwards in the Australian squad.

MORE: Tigers chairman Lee Hagipantelis reportedly facing the axe

Josh Addo-Carr issued breach notice, facing two-game ban

In a statement released on Friday, the league revealed that the Canterbury flyer had been issued with a breach notice for his involvement in the melee

"The National Rugby League (NRL) today issued Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs player Josh Addo-Carr with a Breach Notice alleging a breach of the NRL Code of Conduct following an NRL Integrity Unit investigation into an incident at Tuggerah on Saturday, 30 September 2023," the statement said. 

"It is alleged Addo-Carr engaged in conduct which has brought the game into disrepute by punching an opposition player to the head following a match at the NSW Annual Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout Competition.

"Addo-Carr has 5 business days to respond to the Breach Notice."

Edwards has since been officially confirmed to replace Addo-Carr and will join the Kangaroos squad, with his international debut likely taking place on the wing for the Aussies in their October 14th match against Samoa. 

Australian Kangaroos full squad

  • James Tedesco (c) - Sydney Roosters
  • Josh Addo-Carr - Canterbury Bulldogs
  • Patrick Carrigan - Brisbane Broncos
  • Daly Cherry-Evans - Manly Sea Eagles
  • Selwyn Cobbo* - Brisbane Broncos
  • Lindsay Collins - Sydney Roosters
  • Reuben Cotter - North Queensland Cowboys
  • Dylan Edwards* - Penrith Panthers
  • Tino Fa'asuamaleaui - Gold Coast Titans
  • Tom Flegler* - Brisbane Broncos
  • Harry Grant - Melbourne Storm
  • Payne Haas - Brisbane Broncos
  • Valentine Holmes** - North Queensland Cowboys
  • Ben Hunt - St George Illawarra Dragons
  • Nicho Hynes* - Cronulla Sharks
  • Liam Martin - Penrith Panthers
  • Cameron Munster - Melbourne Storm
  • Cameron Murray - South Sydney Rabbitohs
  • Kotoni Staggs* - Brisbane Broncos
  • Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow* - Dolphins
  • Jake Trbojevic - Manly Sea Eagles
  • Isaah Yeo - Penrith Panthers

*Debutants

**Unavailable for first Test on October 14th

Liam O'Loughlin

Liam O'Loughlin Photo

Liam has been with The Sporting News since 2019, helping lead both NRL and cricket content, as well as delving into the world of combat sports and NFL. A true rugby league tragic, he has spent the past 20 years playing, coaching and volunteering for his beloved junior club, Penshurst RSL. 

Away from work, Liam has a lifelong passion for all things pro wrestling and has travelled abroad to attend showcase events for WWE, AEW and NJPW.