Broadcaster Fox Sports to monitor trash talk directed at Bulldogs player Adam Elliott

Any trash talk aimed at Bulldogs player Adam Elliott will be policed by broadcaster Fox Sports after a warning he will be a sledging target for opposition players this season.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 27: Adam Elliott of the Bulldogs is tackled during the NRL Trial Match between the Cronulla Sharks and the Canterbury Bulldogs at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium on February 27, 2021 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt Blyth/Getty Images)

Broadcaster Fox Sports will police their on-field microphones this season amid a warning that rival teams will verbally target Canterbury’s Adam Elliott.

In an intriguing sub-plot ahead of the Bulldogs road trip to Newcastle on Friday, The Sunday Telegraph has learned Elliott copped a sledging barrage from Cronulla players during the Bulldogs pre-season trial match last weekend.

Elliott was recently allegedly embroiled in a love tryst with the partner of former teammate, Michael Lichaa.

The Canterbury backrower has since stepped forward to admit he has issues with alcohol and is seeking professional help.

Elliott was seemingly unfazed by the trash talk during the trial against the Sharks, producing a strong performance.

Adam Elliott copped a sledging barrage in the Bulldogs trial against the Sharks. Picture: Richard Dobson

However, that didn’t stop at least one member of Cronulla’s coaching staff approaching NRL match officials after the trial to warn them of the potential for other teams to verbally target Elliott — and as a consequence what then may be picked-up via the referees microphone and aired to viewers this season.

The Bulldogs first match for 2021 is against the Knights at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle at 6pm on Friday.

Fox Sports will broadcast the Knights-Bulldogs match live.

Executive director Steve Crawley said on-field microphones were an important part of the coverage for fans but there was always an attempt by producers to monitor certain moments and issues that arise within games.

Adam Elliott against the Sharks in a trial match. Picture: Matt Blyth/Getty Images

“There’s no doubt it’s a privilege to use the sounds of the game in our Fox League coverage,’’ Crawley said. “It makes the entire viewing experience better.

“But of course, you’ve got to be aware of different situations.

“That doesn’t mean mistakes don’t happen. But what we are aware of is, parents are watching their kids watch and no one wants to be adhering to bad language or bullying. We’re there to cover a game and we’ll do it to the best of our ability.”

Bulldogs captain Josh Jackson said Elliott was tough enough to handle any trash talk that may come his way.

Michael Lichaa with Kara Childerhouse. Source: Facebook

“It’s nothing he can’t handle,’’ Jackson said. “It won’t faze him - he’ll probably thrive on it, to be honest. He was one of our best the other night.’’

NRL head of football Graham Annesley confirmed match referees have the power to penalise a player if they consider a player’s conduct goes too far.

“Referees’ microphones are open at all times during matches and they have no ability to mute them,’’ Annesley said.

“Broadcasters have control over how much of the referees audio they put to air and this will vary from game to game.

“In relation to any form of on-field sledging, referees use their discretion to determine whether the conduct of players crosses acceptable boundaries.”