South Sydney forward Adam Elliott has retired from rugby league, with the ankle injury that restricted him to seven games in 2026 ending an 11-season NRL career.
The Rabbitohs confirmed the decision on Friday afternoon, saying the 32-year-old had undergone extensive surgery to try to repair the damage but would not be able to continue playing at the top level.
Elliott finishes with 180 NRL games across four clubs. He debuted for the Bulldogs against Manly at Brookvale Oval in Round 1 of 2016 and played 101 games for Canterbury across six seasons, before spending 2022 with the Raiders, three seasons with the Knights from 2023 to 2025 and one final year at Souths.
The Bega-born lock and second-rower scored 18 tries and kicked two goals for 76 career points. He represented the Indigenous All Stars in 2019 and 2024, Country Origin in 2017 and NSW Residents in 2015.
Elliott thanks every club
“Growing up my dream was to play in the NRL and to now have done that for over a decade is something I’m proud of,” Elliott said.
“I wouldn’t be here without my former clubs, the Canterbury Bulldogs, the Canberra Raiders and the Newcastle Knights. I’m extremely thankful to have called them home for the time I did.”
Read more: Top 25 South Sydney Rabbitohs Players of All Time
“To the Rabbitohs’ staff, players, Members and fans, thank you so much for the way you welcomed me and have made me feel like I’ve been here forever. It’s an incredible club and I’m grateful my journey has finished here.
“I can’t wait to see how I can give back to the Club and contribute off the field.”
Souths pay tribute
Rabbitohs chief executive Blake Solly said it was a shame Elliott had been forced out of the game.
“To play at the NRL level for over a decade, as well as his representative honours for the Indigenous All Stars and Country Origin, are a testament to the player that he was,” Solly said.
“Adam attacked his games and training with heart and determination; he was widely respected by his teammates, coaches and the staff here at the Rabbitohs for his efforts on and off the field; and we’re certain that he will be a success in his life post-football as well.”
Elliott, a proud Wiradjuri man raised on Yuin country, was nominated for the NRL’s Ken Stephen Medal for community work three years running from 2018 to 2020 and won the Bulldogs’ Community Service Award in 2020.
His wife, Millie Elliott, will also retire once her Rugby League World Cup campaign with Australia is complete.
Elliott’s exit is another change to the Souths forward pack ahead of 2027, after Liam Le Blanc joined Penrith on a one-year deal this week.
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