In a statement, the Bulldogs said Addo-Carr’s actions had fallen short of the standards demanded by the club.

“Josh has been a significant part of our club over the past three seasons,” the statement read. “We understand Josh’s popularity with our passionate supporter base, and we share their disappointment that his time with the club has ended this way.

“However, this season has demonstrated the importance of building a culture based on clear standards and values. While the NRL Integrity Unit has completed its investigation and imposed a four-match suspension, the club views the combination of the failed drug test and subsequent lack of transparency as serious breaches of Josh’s contractual obligations and our club’s standards.”

Addo-Carr has been linked with a move to St George Illawarra, although coach Shane Flanagan has publicly stated the club’s initial focus was on securing Clint Gutherson from Parramatta. Gutherson’s transfer to the Red V, on a three-year deal, moved a step closer after the Eels released him from the final year of his contract.

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The NRL-imposed ban means Addo-Carr won’t be able to play for his next employer until round four of the 2025 season.

Canterbury general manager Phil Gould had previously stated that Addo-Carr’s version of events held “too many contradictions”.

“At the end of the day what we have is a positive drug test, that there were drugs in his system last Friday night,” Gould said on his Six Tackles with Gus podcast in September.

“I believe he’s still protesting his innocence in that. But at [some stage] he’s going to have to explain to himself and explain to people that matter exactly how that’s happened and why it’s happened.”