NRL refers racial abuse of Canterbury Bulldogs player Josh Addo-Carr to NSW police

The NRL has lauded Indigenous star Josh Addo-Carr for highlighting racist abuse he received on social media, confirming the matter has been referred to police.

The Canterbury Bulldogs recruit posted screenshots to his Instagram story on Wednesday showing multiple vile comments and direct messages from a social media user.

The NSW Police Hate Crimes Unit is now investigating.

«We will always support our players who are subjected to racism or abuse,» NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said.

«I want to commend Josh for the leadership role he plays in the community and for calling out and reporting this behaviour.

»Fans who racially abuse or threaten our players will be reported to police and we will work with authorities to do all we can to identify the perpetrators."

The Rugby League Players' Association also offered their «full support» to Addo-Carr and said diversity was a sign of rugby league's strength.

«People who threaten and abuse people online should be identified and face the consequences of their hateful words,» an RLPA statement read.

«We are thankful to the NRL for the action they have taken in referring this matter to NSW Police.»

Last year, two men were charged and subsequently pleaded guilty to abusing South Sydney's Indigenous champion Latrell Mitchell via social media.

Like Mitchell, Addo-Carr — a proud Gunggandji, Birrbay and Wiradjuri man — has long been a passionate advocate for First Nations issues and societal change.

The NSW and Australia winger is set to be a huge drawcard playing for the Indigenous team in next month's All Stars clash with their Māori counterparts in Sydney.

AAP