Bulldogs now must determine how to punish star Adam Elliott for alleged indiscretion

When the NRL Integrity Unit hands down its findings regarding Adam Elliott, the Bulldogs will enter a legal minefield over punishment.

Canterbury is tiptoeing through a legal minefield as it tries to determine an appropriate punishment for Adam Elliott.

With the NRL expected to hand over the findings of the Integrity Unit’s investigation to the Bulldogs on Friday, the club has also sought legal advice in relation to whether it would be overstepping its legal jurisdiction by dishing out a fine as part of the penalty.

While there have been suggestions Elliott is facing a fine of up to $20,000 for his alleged involvement with ex-teammate Michael Lichaa’s partner, the club’s obvious concern relates to the fact Elliott was not charged by police and the alleged incident occurred on private property.

It certainly creates a moral dilemma for the game to also deal with.

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Adam Elliott faces hefty fine and removal from the Bulldogs’ leadership group.

There is little doubt the Bulldogs and the NRL will be accused of sweeping it under the carpet if Elliott escapes a significant fine given the public fallout and the damage this has again done to the club and game’s image.

The Bulldogs are also mindful that they have a duty of care to Elliott’s mental welfare as he comes to terms with the damage these allegations have done to his own relationship.

Privately he is being encouraged to publicly own up to his actions and seek professional help.

In 2018 Elliott pleaded guilty to charges of wilful and obscene exposure that occurred during Mad Monday celebrations at The Rocks.

The Bulldogs hope to make a decision within the next 24 hours and have been in constant dialogue with the NRL since the incident last weekend.

Elliott maintains strong support within the club and especially among the players, although he is expected to be stood down from the senior leadership group.

Elliott has great support within the Canterbury playing squad and supporter base.

BULLDOGS WON’T BE RUSHED

Canterbury chairman John Koury said the club was still waiting for the NRL to complete its investigation before the Bulldogs can take the matter further.

Koury confirmed he had met with Elliott to offer some advice but at this stage was not in a position to offer any final judgment.

“We are still waiting for the NRL to come back to us,” Koury said in relation to what action the club might take.

“From there the club will go through its own internal review and we will respond when ready.

“That is really the truth of where we are up to.”

Where the big challenge is for the club relates to the fact the incident occurred in a private residence and Elliott has not been charged by police.

Depending on the outcome of the investigation the club would also be well within its rights to make Elliott accountable for the damage his alleged actions have done to the Bulldogs brand.

It’s a tough start to the season for new Bulldogs coach Trent Barrett.

Elliott also has great support within the Canterbury playing squad as well as the supporter base with members and fans for the way he goes above and beyond his duties within the community and charity work.

But this is not the first time he’s also got himself and the club in strife for alcohol-related incidents following a previous drama when he was caught exposing himself at the 2018 Mad Monday celebrations.

Koury said the club would not rush its investigation although he was keen to get it completed as soon as possible, with a decision likely by Thursday.

The Elliott drama ensures Aaron Warburton will start as new Bulldogs CEO on Monday under difficult circumstances.

Originally published as Bulldogs now must determine how to punish star Adam Elliott for alleged indiscretion