Adam Elliott Retires From Rugby League After Ankle Injury Ends 11-Season NRL Career
Rabbitohs forward Adam Elliott has retired after an ankle injury limited him to seven games in 2026. The 180-game NRL veteran says he hopes to give back off the field.
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Adam Elliott’s NRL career has ended earlier than he hoped. The South Sydney Rabbitohs forward announced his retirement after a serious ankle injury sustained during the 2026 season, despite undergoing extensive surgery in an effort to repair the damage. The injury restricted him to seven appearances this year.
The 32-year-old leaves the game after 180 NRL matches over 11 seasons. He made his debut for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in 2016 and played his final season with South Sydney in 2026.
Why has Adam Elliott retired?
The Rabbitohs said Elliott’s ankle injury was debilitating and that, despite surgery, he would not be able to continue playing at the top level. The club’s 2026 rehabilitation update described the injury as a deltoid rupture in his ankle, suffered while playing against the North Queensland Cowboys in Round 12.
Elliott said playing in the NRL for more than a decade fulfilled a childhood ambition. He thanked his former clubs and the Rabbitohs community, and said he was looking forward to finding ways to contribute to South Sydney off the field. The club has not announced a specific off-field role for him.
Adam Elliott’s NRL career: Bulldogs, Raiders, Knights and Rabbitohs
Elliott spent six seasons with the Bulldogs, making 101 appearances, before joining the Canberra Raiders for 2022, where he played 24 games. He then spent three seasons with the Newcastle Knights, adding 48 appearances, before joining the Rabbitohs for the 2026 campaign. He played seven games for South Sydney.
Across those clubs, Elliott scored 18 tries and two goals for a total of 76 NRL points. He also represented the Indigenous All Stars in 2019 and 2024 and played for Country Origin in 2017.
Elliott’s contribution beyond the field
Elliott was also recognised for his community work. He was nominated for the NRL’s Ken Stephen Medal in 2018, 2019 and 2020, and received the Bulldogs’ Community Service Award in 2020. The Rabbitohs noted his involvement with community groups and charities, including Souths Cares.
Rabbitohs chief executive Blake Solly praised Elliott’s determination and his contributions both on and off the field. The club said Elliott and his family would remain part of the Rabbitohs community.
Elliott’s retirement comes as his wife, Millie Elliott, prepares to finish her playing career after representing Australia at the Rugby League World Cup.
Questions readers ask
Why has Adam Elliott retired from rugby league?
Elliott retired after a serious ankle injury suffered during the 2026 season. Despite extensive surgery, the Rabbitohs said he would not be able to continue playing at NRL level.
How many NRL games did Adam Elliott play?
He played 180 NRL games across 11 seasons, from his debut for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in 2016 to his final season with South Sydney in 2026.
Which NRL clubs did Adam Elliott play for?
Elliott played for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, Canberra Raiders, Newcastle Knights and South Sydney Rabbitohs.
How many games did Adam Elliott play in 2026?
He made seven appearances for the Rabbitohs in the 2026 season before the ankle injury forced him to retire.
Will Adam Elliott continue working with the Rabbitohs?
Elliott said he hopes to give back to the Rabbitohs and contribute off the field. The club has not announced a specific role for him.
What representative teams did Adam Elliott play for?
He represented the Indigenous All Stars in 2019 and 2024 and played for Country Origin in 2017.
