Josh Addo-Carr's future at Canterbury hangs in the balance after his secondary drug test came back positive for cocaine following a roadside test.
NSW Police have issued Addo-Carr's lawyers with an infringement notice for driving under the influence of illicit drugs, a week after he was pulled over on the evening of September 6.
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 news prompted Addo-Carr to leave the Bulldogs' training session on Friday to be with his manager Mario Tartak, according to a club statement.
Addo-Carr 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.
Addo-Carr 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 Bulldogs said.
"The Bulldogs are committed to following the appropriate protocols with regards to the player's contract and CBA (collective bargaining agreement) 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.
"We will not be making any further comment until more information is available to the club. We request that the privacy of Josh and his family be respected during this challenging time."
Bulldogs football boss Phil Gould called a snap press conference to address the matter on Tuesday, saying Addo-Carr was "vehemently adamant" he had not taken drugs.
But Gould suggested the 29-year-old's future at the club would fall under the spotlight should his secondary test come back positive.
Addo-Carr is contracted to Canterbury through 2025 on a deal worth an estimated $550,000 per season but would be free to negotiate with rival clubs for 2026 from November 1.
The club previously summoned Addo-Carr to explain himself over a brawl at the Koori Knockout last September, concerned about his behaviour.
Addo-Carr is widely regarded as one of the NRL's elite wingers and bulked up for the 2024 season in hope of helping the Bulldogs recover from a dismal 15th-placed finish in 2023.
But the former Melbourne Storm dual premiership winner has had his season interrupted by injuries, most notably a hamstring issue that thwarted his hopes of earning a State of Origin recall for NSW.
Bound for Wests Tigers next season, Jeral Skelton will replace Addo-Carr in the do-or-die match against Manly this Sunday - only the eighth game of his first-grade career.
Outside backs Bronson Xerri, Jacob Kiraz, Blake Wilson and Stephen Crichton are all contracted for next season.
