Josh Addo-Carr has been sacked by NRL club Canterbury with immediate effect after failing a roadside drugs test in September.

Addo-Carr’s fate was sealed on Thursday when the Australian Test winger was forced to front the Bulldogs board of directors and explain why he should not have his contract torn up.

It came after the 29-year-old was pulled over by New South Wales police a week out from the club’s first finals games in eight years.

The 15-time NSW State of Origin representative failed the roadside test and a secondary sample returned the same outcome.

Addo-Carr has maintained he has not taken any illicit drugs. He had held faint hope he would be given a reprieve by Canterbury powerbrokers.

But on Thursday Canterbury’s board opted to terminate his contract.

“Josh has been a significant part of our club over the past three seasons,” the Bulldogs chair, Adam Driussi, said.

“During this time, he has provided many memorable moments for our members and fans.

“We understand Josh’s popularity with our passionate supporter base, and we share their disappointment that his time with the club has ended this way.

“However, this season has demonstrated the importance of building a culture based on clear standards and values.

“While the NRL Integrity Unit has completed its investigation and imposed a four-match suspension, the club views the combination of the failed drug test and subsequent lack of transparency as serious breaches of Josh’s contractual obligations and our club’s standards.”