Bulldogs rookie could be 'one of the best in the world': Foxx lavishes high praise on three-game teenager

Josh Addo-Carr has played outside some of the best in his time, so when he talks about centres, it’s worth paying attention.

The Foxx has featured with Latrell Mitchell, Justin Olam, Jack Wighton and current teammate Matt Burton as his inside man in recent years, but now gets to work with Bulldogs prodigy Paul Alamoti, who has ripped up the NRL in his first three appearances in first grade.

The success of his new partner has prompted the Foxx to make a bold declaration in support of the 19-year-old.

“He’s definitely got the potential to be one of the best centres in the world,” said Addo-Carr. “Pauly just has to keep improving every day, put his best foot forward and be consistent.

“He’s a wonderful talent and we love having him in the team. I knew Pauly had the potential to be a first grader and he’s got his chance now.

“I feel like I’ve been playing footy with Pauly my whole career. I believe he’s a first grade football player and now for him it’s about playing consistently – that’s what a first grader does, they play their best every week and train their best every day. 

“He’s got a bright future in a Bulldogs jersey and I’m glad that he’s on my side.”

The man himself was trying to keep himself on the ground, but appreciated having one of the biggest stars in the NRL outside him to help him along.

Alamoti and Addo-Carr combined for two long-range tries in the Dogs’ 34-30 win over the Wests Tigers on Sunday, with the young centre handing off to the Foxx for one, and then the pair passing between them for a second.

(Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

“The first one, I was just looking at the tryline and thinking ‘nah!’ joked Alamoti. “It would have looked pretty silly if I didn’t give it to him, he was literally jogging next to me while I was sprinting!

“It’s the little skills that I do every week that helps, and to show it on the big stage is the most pleasing part of it. It’s good having him outside me. It’s good having him outside me – you just give him the ball and let him run.”

Coach Cameron Ciraldo has shown plenty of faith in the rookie, throwing him in to huge games from day one. According Alamoti, the pair have been in constant contact since Ciro took over at the end of 2022.

“He’s real caring,” said Alamoti. “It’s the first thing that I picked up the first time I interacted with him before the preseason. I spoke to him and told him I had a bit of work in my defence, and he’s guided me the last 16 weeks to where I need to be.

Now he is reaping the rewards, with an appearance at Belmore – where he attended games as childhood Bulldogs fan – topping off a stellar start to 2023.

“It was mad,” said the centre. “I got a taste of the Belmore crowd a couple of weeks ago in a trial game and to come in and play a real NRL game was a mad feeling. The win was just the icing on the cake.

“Growing up I was here a couple of times a long time ago, and to play an NRL game is a privilege. It’s something you can’t describe. 

“I’m enjoying it, I’ve always dreamed of this moment my entire life. I’m just doing everything I can do stay in the team.”