Melbourne Storm ace springs $2 million NRL switch
Canterbury have landed the hottest signature in the NRL with representative star Josh Addo-Carr joining the club on a four-year deal from 2022.
It's understood the Bulldogs deal is worth around $500,000 per season, making him one of the highest paid wingers in the game - a worthy price tag for his star power.
NEXT STEP: Fresh development in Jarryd Hayne's rape trial
'MESSED US UP': Fresh twist in Cam Smith NRL mystery
The NSW and Australia speedster was set to leave Melbourne at the end of this year but decided to remain with the Storm for one more season after winning the 2020 premiership.
It's a massive boost for the Bulldogs who have started a rebuild for 2021 under new coach Trent Barrett.
The 25-year-old was one of the most sought after players on the NRL market after a deal to join the Wests Tigers next season fell through.
It’s official: Melbourne Storm winger Josh Addo-Carr will join Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs after 2021 season.
— Dean Ritchie (@BulldogRitchie) December 16, 2020
Cotric, Addo Carr, Flanagan, Burton & Hethro, dogs rebuilding very very nicely I like it.
— Dxnvin (@MaoriBoyDB) December 16, 2020
Huge day for the @NRL_Bulldogs - while rumours suggest they’ve signed Spencer Leniu for 2022, they’ve managed to officially nab Josh Addo-Carr on a four-year deal.
Addo-Carr will play one final season for the @storm before moving to Belmore until at least the end of 2025.#NRL— Jack Blyth (@jblesfooty224) December 16, 2020
Addo-Carr made his debut with the Tigers in 2016 and signed a heads of agreement to return to Concord in 2021, but the Tigers were unwilling to swap a player of equal calibre to get the deal done.
He was also linked with a move to South Sydney where NSW Origin teammates Damien Cook, Cody Walker and good friend Latrell Mitchell are on the books.
Bulldogs confident in new direction after Add-Carr signing
However, he was impressed during a tour of the facilities at Belmore over the off-season.
His addition to the backline has been touted by the club as a huge vote of confidence in a new direction for the Bulldogs.
"Having someone like Josh choose to join the Bulldogs after being the target of a number of clubs is another sign that we are gradually piecing together a squad that has the right mix of experience and quality," Bulldogs chief executive Andrew Hill said.
"Josh has been a proven performer at whatever level he has played and he will bring those elements of speed and strike-power that all clubs are looking for in their backline.
"Josh becomes another leader in our group and will bring the sort of winning attitude that the club is looking to create here at Belmore."
The Bulldogs have missed the finals for the past four years and narrowly avoided the wooden spoon in 2020.
Under Barrett they have begun to rebuild their roster, already landing young stars Nick Cotric, Matt Burton, Kyle Flanagan and Jack Hetherington for next season.
Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world.
