The Canterbury Bulldogs have rejected an inquiry from the Melbourne Storm about bringing in-form winger
Josh Addo-Carr back to the club on loan for the remainder of the season.
The
Herald can reveal the Storm wanted to orchestrate an Addo-Carr homecoming for the last six weeks of the season plus finals due to their horrific injury toll.
The Bulldogs, however, denied the request, which would have seen Addo-Carr play for Melbourne for the remainder of the year then return to Canterbury for the final two years of his contract.
The
Herald contacted Bulldogs general manager
Phil Gould for comment. Gould said Addo-Carr meant too much to the club’s fans to allow him to take up the option with his former club.
Addo-Carr showed the value of him remaining at the Bulldogs by raising spirits at the club with a starring role in their
victory over the Gold Coast Titans on Sunday. The Bulldogs winger scored a hat-trick in the win.
The Storm have a number of players on their hitlist as they look to overcome
injuries to Ryan Papenhuyzen and
Xavier Coates.
The Storm have previously made inquiries about Gold Coast’s
Jayden Campbell and the Wests Tigers’
Adam Doueihi. Melbourne officials have also recently enquired about Wests Tigers fullback
Daine Laurie.
The Tigers are considering releasing the fullback - if the Storm follow through with their inquiry - in the hope he can gain invaluable experience and knowledge under some of the game’s best coaches and players during a hit-and-run mission with the Storm.
Laurie’s future at the Wests Tigers is somewhat uncertain. There are sections of the club who aren’t convinced he is the long-term No.1 and are discussing a potential swap deal for Penrith’s
Charlie Staines.
The Wests Tigers roster could be set for an overhaul over the summer.
Jackson Hastings’ future at the club isn’t guaranteed.
There are a number of people at the club who don’t believe he is a good influence on the team despite the image he portrays in the media for the fans. He has become a cult hero, but the view is different among most internally.
The Knights had discussed a potential play for his services. Inquiries were also made with the Bulldogs but it is not expected Hastings will end up at Belmore.
It’s not the last we’ve heard about Hastings. Nor
Luke Brooks for that matter.