Josh Addo-Carr sets his sights on a premiership as the Bulldogs prepare for exciting new era

Canterbury winger Josh Addo-Carr has already envisioned what it would be like to win a Premier League with the club as they stand on the brink of a new era.

With two games remaining this year, thoughts have already turned to next season, when the latest iteration of the rebuild will begin. Cameron Ciraldo will become the new head coach while a host of high-profile signings will be pouring through the doors at Belmore.

A terrible campaign that culminated in the departure of Trent Barrett has recently shown signs of a revival.

The partnership that is developing between Addo-Carr and Matt Burton was the highlight, as was their intention to play open and offensive under caretaker coach Mick Potter.

The Bulldogs will miss the finals again. While this is disappointing, Addo-Carr insists a change is coming.

The club have recruited a number of key names to help them; headlined by Viliame Kikau and Reed Mahoney.

“It’s going to be pretty much a brand new team,” said Addo-Carr.

“A brand new trainer, a brand new system and all that stuff. Most of us will come on November 1st and try to figure out what kind of team we want to be.

“[We want to] bring the ‘Dogs of War’ or whatever you want to call it back to the club.

“As everyone knows, this was a powerhouse seven or eight years ago… we want to bring back that culture of success.”

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Under the guidance of their rookie coach, the Bulldogs will aim to climb the ladder and mirror the success of the North Queensland Cowboys in 2022.

Todd Payten’s men went from second to last on the ladder to prime ministerial contenders in a year.

“Ciraldo is coming, kicks [Kikau] and Reed Mahoney is coming. We only have good people here who want to win football games,” said Addo-Carr.

“My goal has always been to win a Premiership at this club.

“I think we can do it with the right people. I can’t wait for that to happen – I imagined it.”

After a slow start to the year – it took him as late as round six to score his first try in the Canterbury colors – Addo-Carr has now scored five tries in his last five appearances.

However, there was talk throughout the season that his move from a title-claiming Melbourne side to a basement dweller had ultimately cost him his NSW Origin jersey.

Despite having endured a tough adjustment period, Addo-Carr now seems to be enjoying his foot again.

The 27-year-old was quick to credit Potter for reviving the playgroup and was full of praise for the man, who claimed he wanted to stay at the club.

“Mick has been fantastic for us. He helped us… with the way we want to play football.

“Everyone has seen glimpses of some of the good stuff that has been produced over the past few weeks.

“The last two to three weeks have been disappointing but I think everyone sees the potential we have if we keep going.”

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The Bulldogs suffered three straight losses over the weekend before taking on the high-flying Cronulla Sharks.

Still, Addo-Carr was confident the club was going in the right direction and he stands ready to help the rebuild every step of the way.

“The only reason I came to this club was to try and help them,” he said.

“I am proud to say that I was one of the first to come to the club and help them.

“Since we’ve been here, the fans have really stayed with us. They’ve been showing up every week and I can’t wait to do it for them,” said Addo-Carr when discussing the prospect of one day winning the prime minister’s post with Canterbury.