Sports · Other Sports · 5 hrs ago
Rabbitohs forward Adam Elliott retires after ankle injury
Adam Elliott has retired from the NRL after an ankle injury suffered during the 2026 season.
The 31-year-old forward played his final season with the South Sydney Rabbitohs, after earlier spells with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, Canberra Raiders and Newcastle Knights.
Elliott made his NRL debut in 2016 and played 180 games across 11 seasons.
The ankle injury required surgery and limited him to seven games for South Sydney in 2026.
His injury means he can no longer play at the top level, prompting his retirement.
Elliott also represented the Indigenous All Stars and Country Origin, and was recognised for community work.
He said he hopes to contribute to the Rabbitohs off the field.
South Sydney Rabbitohs forward Adam Elliott has retired from rugby league because of an ankle injury suffered during the 2026 season.
The injury limited him to seven matches for the Rabbitohs, and surgery was unable to make it possible for him to continue playing at the top level.
Elliott played 180 NRL games over 11 seasons, scoring 18 tries and two goals.
He made his NRL debut for the Canterbury Bulldogs in 2016 and later played for the Canberra Raiders, Newcastle Knights and Rabbitohs.
Elliott said he was proud to have fulfilled his dream of playing in the NRL and would look to contribute to the Rabbitohs off the field.
- Who
- Adam Elliott, a South Sydney Rabbitohs forward.
- What
- He retired from rugby league because of an ankle injury.
- When
- He announced his retirement on 30 October 2026.
- Where
- The injury occurred during the 2026 season; the sources do not state where.
- Why
- The injury and resulting damage meant he could not continue playing at the top level.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Elliott represented NSW Residents.
He made his NRL debut for the Canterbury Bulldogs.
Elliott injured his ankle, according to Yahoo News Australia.
He returned to play and appeared in four more matches, according to Yahoo News Australia.
The Rabbitohs announced Elliott’s retirement.
- NRL career
- 180 games over 11 seasons
- Career scoring
- 18 tries and two goals
- Rabbitohs appearances
- Seven matches in 2026
- NRL debut
- 2016, Canterbury Bulldogs
- Ankle injury
- Sustained during the 2026 season
3 sources
What people are saying
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,
I can’t wait to see how I can give back to the Club and contribute off the field.
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,
Posts on X
Adam Elliott has announced his retirement from rugby league after 11 seasons in the NRL. An ankle injury has forced the 180-game Rabbitohs forward to bring his career to an early end. Wishing him all the best in retirement.