Adam Elliott announces retirement from Rugby League due to injury

Rabbitohs forward Adam Elliott has called time on his 11-season career in the NRL, announcing his retirement from Rugby League due to an ankle injury suffered during the 2026 season.

Elliott played 180 NRL games over 11 seasons, scoring 76 points from 18 tries and two goals, making his NRL debut in 2016 for the Bulldogs. He played six seasons with Canterbury-Bankstown before shifting to the Canberra Raiders for the 2022 season. Elliott then joined the Newcastle Knights for three seasons before one final year with the South Sydney Rabbitohs in 2026.

Elliott, a proud Wiradjuri man raised on Yuin country, represented the Indigenous All Stars on two occasions in 2019 and 2024 as well as representing Country Origin in 2017 and NSW Residents in 2015.

Elliott was recognised for his commitment to community work in 2018, 2019 and 2020 when he was nominated for the NRL’s Ken Stephen Medal, also winning the Bulldogs’ Community Service Award in 2020. Elliott has proudly represented charities and community organisations such as Trainer Group Foundation, Giant Steps Autism, Special Olympics, Tathra Bushfires fundraising, Autism Community Network and Souths Cares over the past 11 years, with his efforts in the community continuing to this day.

Elliott has been forced to retire from playing Rugby League due to a debilitating ankle injury suffered during the 2026 season which limited his ability to take the field to just seven matches and saw him undergo extensive surgery to try and repair the damage. Unfortunately, Adam will not be able to continue playing at the top level, leading to his decision to retire from the sport.

Elliott will now move into Rugby League retirement alongside his wife, Millie Elliott, who will also hang up the boots following the completion of the Rugby League World Cup where she is representing Australia.

“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.

“Rugby League has given me so much, some of my best mates have come from playing footy, and I’ve got memories and experiences that will last a lifetime.

“Thanks to everyone who has played a part in my journey, however long or short the time was. It’s been an honour to have worked alongside some amazing people.

“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.

“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.”

Rabbitohs CEO, Blake Solly, paid tribute to Elliott and the career he forged for over a decade.

“Adam and his family have been wonderful additions to our Club this year and it’s a shame that he has been forced into retirement following his ankle injury,” Mr Solly said.

“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.

“Adam is also a wonderful contributor off the field through his community work, and I’m sure his commitment to charitable and community organisations will continue long beyond his time on the NRL field.

“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.

“We wish Adam, Millie, Lenny and Gigi all the very best in the future and they will always be regarded as a part of the Rabbitohs family.”

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