Controversial footy star Josh Addo-Carr has squandered ‘golden opportunity’ with turbulent few weeks of ’embarrassing’ behaviour

Bulldogs star Josh Addo-Carr has reportedly missed out on the chance to be the face of Indigenous rugby league due to bad timing and the controversial winger’s recent behaviour issues.

Just days before Addo-Carr was involved in an ugly brawl at the Koori Knockout on the Central Coast, the superstar winger was meant to have a sit-down with ARL boss Peter V’landys about his future. 

According to Fairfax columnist Danny Weidler, Bulldogs GM Phil Gould helped arrange the meeting and initiated the idea of Addo-Carr becoming the face of Indigenous footy – but Addo-Carr couldn’t make it because of his selection in the Australian Prime Minister’s XIII.

Addo-Carr was represented in the meeting by his agent and partner, but has since been involved in a series of controversies that have ’embarrassed’ the club.

First the flying winger was involved in an on-field brawl at the Koori Knockout, and then last week he compared the current conflict in the Middle East with Indigenous land rights in Australia.

Bulldogs star was meant to have a sit-down with ARL boss Peter V’landys about his future

Addo-Carr issued an apology after uploading his now infamous photo to Instagram showing the Palestinian and Aboriginal flags with the caption ‘One struggle, one fight.’

‘As a proud First Nations man, I saw a message of support against displacement and land rights, and I shared this without full consideration to, or understanding of, the current events happening overseas,’ his statement read.

‘I recognise that this is a mistake. As soon as it was brought to my attention, I deleted my post and felt remorse.

‘This is the message I wish to share now. Respect; respect for each other, and each other’s culture.

‘I also recognise that I am a public figure and someone that young kids especially look up to, and I want to do better.

‘That’s why I would like to own this mistake, and my thoughts are with anyone affected by the situation.’

Weidler says Addo-Carr has ’embarrassed’ the Bulldogs club bosses again and wasted the time of V’landys – not to mention letting down Gould.

‘If Gould has now lost faith in Addo-Carr it would be understandable,’ said Weidler.

Addo-Carr has been attracting headlines for all the wrong reasons recently

Addo-Carr issued an apology after comparing the current conflict in the Middle East with Indigenous land rights in Australia

‘Bulldogs officials and all of those who have gone out of their way to support him have been let down in recent times by his actions.’

Addo-Carr had talks with Gould on Friday after a rollercoaster few weeks, which Addo-Carr’s manager Mario Tartak says were fruitful.

‘Phil Gould just met with Josh to check on his welfare and let him know that he is part of Canterbury’s plans,’ Tartak told The Sydney Morning Herald.

‘He asked Josh to take more of a leadership role within the group. ‘Gus’ sees him as an important part of the team going forward and wants him at the club.

‘Gus saw this as a chance for Josh to have a reset after a couple of little hiccups. Not at any stage has Josh Addo-Carr been shopped around by the Bulldogs.

‘Josh was grateful for the meeting and we’re all keen on him getting back to the business of playing his best footy.’