Interchange forward Adam Elliott looks set to miss the Bulldogs Round 14 clash with the Dragons after picking up a leg injury during the week at training.
The 21-year-old has managed eight games to date and while it has been a frustrating start to the year for the talented back-rower, both Aiden Tolman and Josh Jackson are hoping Elliott can pull through and be right for Monday.
“He has got to see the medical staff today and see what happens,” Tolman said. “It’s frustrating for him because he has earnt his spot in the team.
“The last couple of weeks he has been playing really well, but if he wasn’t to play than it opens than it opens up a spot for whoever wants to put their hand up and Tony Williams is one of those players.
“He injured his hammy yesterday at training, but I’m not too sure at the moment where Adam is at,” Jackosn added.
“Hopefully he can play, because he’s a great young player and brings a lot of enthusiasm into our side, but if not, T Rex (Tony Williams) is one of those guys that could step back into side.”
Elliott is an edge back-rower and with Greg Eastwood sidelined for up to a month with a knee injury, experienced back rower Tony Williams is the likely replacement for the Tathra junior.
Williams himself has missed the last few weeks after sustaining a minor hamstring injury, but was given the green light to return for the Bulldogs Intrust Super Premiership team this weekend and with Elliott racing the clock to be fit, teammates are backing the premiership back rower to get the nod.
“He’s been training really well. He’s played a couple of really good games for our New South Wales Cup side,” said Tolman.
“We all know how Tony can play and he would be the first to admit that he’s been struggling with a bit of form, but if he gets back to running the ball hard and playing the way that we know here he can play, than I’m sure he will be back in the side.
“He’s a quality player. He’s got a lot of experience and if he gets the nod this week, he’ll definitely do his job,” Jackson said.
