NRL rivals circle Adam Elliott after Bulldogs’ ‘low-ball’ contract offer
The Bulldogs are at serious risk of losing one of their most important players after negotiations between Adam Elliott and the club stalled - and two NRL rivals are ready to pounce.
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Canterbury favourite Adam Elliott could be in his final season at Belmore, with at least two NRL rivals circling the hardworking Bulldogs forward.
It’s understood St George Illawarra and Canberra have expressed interest in Elliott for next season and beyond.
The Bulldogs have had one meeting with Elliott’s management about extending his time at the club.
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But it’s believed talks have not progressed after the initial terms of a contract extension were perceived as a “low-ball” offer.
With NSW Blues forward Tyson Frizell headed to Newcastle after season 2020 and uncertainty about the playing future of Jack de Belin, the Red V are looking to shore up their forward stocks.
The Raiders are also looking to add some starch to their pack after the club agreed to release Englishman and Dally M Backrower of the Year John Bateman at the end of this season.
Only two weeks ago Elliott talked about his affinity for the Bulldogs.
“I‘d jump in front of a train for the club but I’ve got a young family now and it’s that point in my career where I have to make smart decisions, informed decisions. I’m just going to turn up and try and play as good as I can for the Bulldogs and, hopefully, that will sort itself out,” Elliott told Fox League after Canterbury’s Round 6 loss to the Sharks.
Elliott, touted as a future Bulldogs captain, arrived in Belmore from Tathra as a 14-year-old and has played 87 NRL games since making his debut in 2016. But with the arrival of English forward Luke Thompson, and with Raiders forward John Bateman on Canterbury’s radar for season 2021, Elliott could be squeezed out. Thompson officially joined the club this week after he was granted an early release from English Super League side St Helens.
Elliott leads the competition for lock forwards this season in offloads (12) and try assists (2), and is fourth alongside Victor Radley for tackle busts.
He re-signed with the Bulldogs in 2017 despite bigger offers from at least three other clubs including Parramatta and New Zealand Warriors.
In February last year, Elliott offered to take a pay cut to help the club’s then-poor salary cap situation.
The Bulldogs have eight other players off-contract at the end of the season — Jack Cogger, Raymond Faitala-Mariner, Kieran Foran, Kerrod Holland, Marcelo Montoya, Sauaso Sue, Isaiah Tass and Aiden Tolman — while young outside back Morgan Harper has signed with Manly.
Bulldogs off contract: Adam Elliott, Jack Cogger, Raymond Faitala-Mariner, Kieran Foran, Kerrod Holland, Marcelo Montoya, Sauaso Sue, Isaiah Tass, Aiden Tolman.