Josh Addo-Carr is set to be stood down by the NRL for two Test matches for his involvement in a brawl during the Koori Knockout over the weekend.
The NRL on Thursday afternoon called Penrith superstar Dylan Edwards into the squad as a replacement for Addo-Carr on the wing.
The NRL spoke to Addo-Carr on Wednesday as part of an investigation into the brawl at the Indigenous footy carnival on the Central Coast.
The governing body is on Friday expected to sanction the Canterbury flyer with a two-game ban.
The Herald contacted NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo and ARLC chairman Peter V’landys, but both declined to comment when asked about Addo-Carr’s removal from the squad. Australian coach Mal Meninga did not respond to calls.
Under the new collective bargaining agreement struck between the NRL and Rugby League Players’ Association, the NRL is prohibited from announcing proposed sanctions until after the player has had five days to respond.
Josh Addo-Carr in action for the Bulldogs.Credit: Getty
Addo-Carr will on Friday be given the opportunity to respond. The Bulldogs were unaware of Addo-Carr’s forthcoming sanction when contacted by the Herald about Edwards’ inclusion in the squad.
Edwards, one of the unsung heroes of Penrith’s come-from-behind premiership triumph, is expected to be considered as a winger by Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga despite being overlooked for selection in the original 21-man squad.
The Kangaroos play their first Test match of the Pacific Championship against Samoa in Townsville on October 14.
Dylan Edwards has been called into the Kangaroos squad.Credit: Getty
Halfback Nathan Cleary was a late scratching after picking up a knee injury in the grand final and was replaced by Cronulla’s Nicho Hynes.
Queensland captain Daly Cherry-Evans is the frontrunner to partner Cameron Munster in the halves for the opening game of the Tri-series, which also includes New Zealand.
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