NRL star Josh Addo-Carr’s secondary drug test returns positive result for cocaine

Canterbury winger Josh Addo-Carr has returned a second positive result to a drugs test last week. NSW Police have issued Addo-Carr’s lawyers with an infringement notice for driving with an illicit drug present in oral fluid, a week after he was pulled over on the evening of 6 September.

Addo-Carr passed the random breath test undertaken roadside in the Sydney suburb of Wentworth Point but failed a subsequent drug wipe. An oral fluid sample was sent for further testing, the results of which came back positive on Friday.

The 29-year-old had already stood himself down from Sunday’s elimination final against Manly – the Bulldogs’ first playoff appearance since 2016 – with no date set for his return.

Related: Josh Addo-Carr stands himself down from Bulldogs’ NRL final over drugs test

“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,” a club statement read.

NSW Police said the secondary analysis returned a positive reading for cocaine.

Addo-Carr, who left Bulldogs’ training early on Friday, has maintained he has not taken any illicit drugs.

The Bulldogs’ winger is not subject to the NRL’s no-fault stand-down policy, which precludes players from taking the field when charged with criminal offences that carry long-term prison sentences.

“The club is offering Josh appropriate support during this difficult period,” the club statement read. “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.”