LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
'Tough day for the club': Bulldogs pledge to not let Josh Addo-Carr saga hinder their charge towards finals glory
The Bulldogs' star winger Josh Addo-Carr will be sidelined for the upcoming finals clash, leaving the team in a difficult position as they gear up for their first finals appearance since 2016.
Skipper Stephen Crichton expressed confidence in the club's leadership group to manage the "less than ideal" circumstances following the news of Addo-Carr's absence from the crucial match against the Sea Eagles this Sunday.
What was meant to be a momentous week for the club has been marred by Addo-Carr's decision to withdraw from the finals fixture due to an alleged positive roadside test for a banned substance, pending confirmation from a second sample.
Facing their most important game in nearly a decade, the Bulldogs are determined to not let this setback deter their focus on the task at hand.
Crichton believes the team can quickly shift their attention to the upcoming challenge.
"We have a significant game ahead of us this week, so we are setting aside the distractions and leaving the club to handle the situation while we concentrate on the crucial match this Sunday," he stated.
While acknowledging the impact of Addo-Carr's absence on the team, Crichton remains optimistic about the depth of talent within the squad and their ability to step up in his absence.
"He has been a linchpin for the club in recent years and a pivotal player for us this season, so it's going to be a tough loss.
However, I have full faith in the players who will step up to fill his shoes and get the job done."