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Josh Addo-Carr faces second alleged cocaine roadside test
By Drooid · · How we work
Alleged Positive Cocaine Test Raises Career Questions
New South Wales police stopped a 31-year-old driver on Enmore Road in Sydney’s inner-west on the night of September 12, 2026. After a negative breath test for alcohol, a preliminary drug wipe allegedly indicated the presence of cocaine. An oral-fluid sample was collected and sent for forensic analysis, and the investigation remains ongoing while police await the final results.
Background: Prior Drug Test and Club Actions
In October 2024, the Canterbury Bulldogs terminated Addo-Carr’s contract after he returned a positive roadside drug test for cocaine. At the time, he had one year left on a three-year deal worth $500,000 per season. The player accepted a $682 fine and a three-month driving suspension without contesting the matter in court. Following that episode, Addo-Carr signed a three-year contract with the Parramatta Eels, extending through the end of 2027.
Official Statements & Responses
The Parramatta Eels issued a statement confirming awareness of the alleged incident and noting that the club has notified the NRL Integrity Unit, is cooperating with the relevant processes, and is providing welfare support to Addo-Carr and his family. The club added that it will not comment further until the matter is finalised.
Police confirmed the roadside stop, the negative alcohol reading, and the alleged positive drug wipe, emphasizing that the oral-fluid sample is pending forensic analysis.
The NRL Integrity Unit later imposed a four-match suspension and a $15,000 fine on Addo-Carr for the alleged breach of the league’s anti-drug policy.
Impact on Representative Selection
Addo-Carr had been named in the Kangaroos’ provisional 40-man squad for next month’s Rugby League World Cup. Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters indicated that the allegation could affect the winger’s selection, noting that “I had a lot to do with Josh last year on the Kangaroo tour” “I had a lot to do with Josh last year on the Kangaroo tour,” — Kevin Walters, kangaroos coach.
Data & Statistics
- Age: 31 years.
- NRL career: 224 games, 167 tries (as of 2026).
- Recent performance: scored a try in the Eels’ final match of the season, a 24-22 loss to the Dragons on September 6, 2026.
- Eels tenure: 27 tries in 45 matches since joining.
- Financial terms: $500,000 per season contract with the Bulldogs (2024).
- Penalties from prior incident: $682 fine, three-month driving ban; current alleged incident: four-match ban, $15,000 fine.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I had a lot to do with Josh last year on the Kangaroo tour,” — Kevin Walters, Kangaroos coach “I had a lot to do with Josh last year on the Kangaroo tour,” — Kevin Walters, kangaroos coach
- “Very disappointed, you don’t want to go out like that,” — Josh Addo-Carr “Very disappointed, you don’t want to go out like that,” — Josh Addo-Carr