Adam Elliot is set to make his NRL debut this Friday night in the season opener against the Manly Sea-Eagles.
The opportunity to play with the top squad has been an long wait for the talented 21-year old who came close to making his debut last season until a number of injuries stopped him from doing so.
“I really wanted it last year,” Elliot told Bulldogs.com.au leading into the 2016 pre-season.
The Tathra Sea Eagles junior arrived at the Bulldogs in 2012 to play NYC but missed the season with a knee injury.
He took to the field as part of the NYC team in 2013 and also 2014 where he took on the captaincy role and also secured himself a spot in the Under 20’s NSW State of Origin side.
Stepping up to lead his Bulldogs teammates wasn’t Adam’s first taste of leadership as he captained the Australian Schoolboys side against England in 2012, a memory that he considers as one of his best moments in league so far.
In 2015 Adam joined the Bulldogs NSW Cup team in a year that replicated his 2014 achievements. His natural leadership ability shone through and he was named captain of the side and then went on to play in the NSW Cup Residents side.
“I was happy with the year I had in NSW Cup and I think that has been a real stepping stone for me to have had the opportunity to play with more experienced players.”
Adam’s hard work and perseverance earned him a new contract that will keep him at the club for a further two seasons.
With his NRL debut only days away, Elliott is determined to make sure this won’t be his only first grade appearance in 2016,
“This year my ultimate goal is to play as much first grade as I can and try and push my way into that team.”
Many of Adam’s teammates, including Aiden Tolman and Josh Morris have been more than impressed with his hard work throughout the 2016 pre-season and believe he is well deserving of this opportunity.
“Adam has had a great pre-season,” Tolman said. “He had a few injuries last year, which disrupted his season, but he came back fit and strong and has given it his all.”
Seasoned first grader, Josh Morris has given credit to Adam’s strength and compliments his work ethic.
“In the gym he has thrown around some heavy weights and has impressed me with his attitude towards training,” Morris said.
WORDS: Darcie McDonald
