Superstar winger Josh Addo-Carr could be wiped out for the entire Pacific Championships as the NRL prepares to impose a two-game suspension on him.
Addo-Carr was involved in a brawl at the Koori Knockout at the weekend, and the Sydney Morning Herald reports the Bulldogs and Blues flyer will be offered two games on the sideline as a punishment.
The NRL is yet to confirm the penalty, and Addo-Carr must have five days to respond to any breach notice, meaning it may not become official until next week.
READ MORE: World Cup holders 'completely outplayed' as NZ gets revenge
READ MORE: Bizarre reason this photo was wiped
READ MORE: Pangai Junior's parting swipe at NRL
But a two-game suspension could end his Pacific Championships before it begins, after Addo-Carr was named in a 21-man Australian squad on Tuesday.
The Kangaroos play Samoa on October 14 and then New Zealand on October 28, before a final of the tri-nations tournament.
On Thursday, Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga brought Panthers fullback Dylan Edwards into the squad, which the Herald reports is essentially cover for Addo-Carr.
Australia has already lost halfback Nathan Cleary from the squad named on Tuesday, due to a knee injury.
At Tuesday's press conference both Meninga and ARLC chairman Peter V'landys said Addo-Carr was entitled to a presumption of innocence, which is why he was named in the squad despite an investigation hanging over his head.
"His value is on-field and off-field. He's a terrific player, but his value off field is tremendous as well," Meninga said.
"His morale is excellent… he's good to be around, but he's also a good leader for those Indigenous boys. He plays a very important part."
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.