HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 04: Josh Addo-Carr of Australia celebrates after scoring their team’s third try during the Rugby League World Cup Quarter Final match between Australia and Lebanon at John Smith’s Stadium on November 04, 2022 in Huddersfield, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
In a massive blow for the Indigenous All Stars, flyer Josh Addo-Carr has withdrawn from the cultural clash to instead focus on Canterbury’s 2023 season.
Addo-Carr is fresh off a stellar World Cup for the Kangaroos, notching 12 tries in the tournament to equalise Valentine Holmes as the most in a singular campaign.
The outside back captained the Indigenous side last year, however he relinquished the role this year with Cody Walker returning to the fold as captain as well as the assistant coach for the matchup.
While fellow Indigenous Kangaroos in Latrell Mitchell and Jack Wighton have been named for the match and remain in the squad, it appears now ‘The Foxx’ won’t be joining them in Rotorua.
TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 13: Josh Addo-Carr of the Bulldogs warms up before the start of the round one NRL match between the North Queensland Cowboys and the Canterbury Bulldogs at Qld Country Bank Stadium, on March 13, 2022, in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)
Head coach Ronald Griffiths is yet to name a replacement for Addo-Carr as of yet, however it could open the door for Alex Johnston, who wasn’t initially selected for the side.
The Sydney Morning Herald confirmed the 27-year-old would miss the clash to stay fresh for this season, specifically after a 2022 season that saw the two-time premiership-winner play 23 NRL games, five at the World Cup as well as the All Stars match in the pre-season.
The withdrawal means rugby league fans likely won’t get their first taste of ‘the Foxx’ in full flight until the Bulldogs’ second trial game, a February 19th bout against the Cronulla Sharks at Belmore Sports Ground.
Source:: ZeroTackle
