The Canberra Raiders have offered troubled NRL forward Adam Elliott a one-year deal to help resurrect his career.
The 27-year-old was involved in a number of off-field incidents while at the Bulldogs, before he and the club agreed to part ways after he was asked to leave a Gold Coast venue when discovered in the men’s bathroom with an NRLW player in August.
Elliott showed plenty of potential in his 104 NRL games with the Bulldogs and the Raiders will get him cheaply with The Daily Telegraph reporting the deal is worth around $200,000.
Elliott’s career was in the balance after splitting with the Dogs until Raiders coach Ricky Stuart offered him a lifeline.
“When a kid tells me he wants to make Canberra home, given he’s originally from the region, it means a lot to me,” Stuart said.
“Rugby league is layered with redemption stories.
“I just hope for Adam and his family, this is another one of those because I know he’s going to be joining a very strong club.
There was also interest in his signature from the Wests Tigers as well but Elliott decided Canberra was a better fit.
The signing comes with the blessing of the senior group at the Raiders with Stuart saying they were supportive of the decision.
“A number of leaders have been spoken to and are supportive of Adam joining the club, and it gives the club confidence moving forward,” said Stuart.
Elliott will add extra versatility to the Canberra forward pack with his ability to play in the middle and on the edge, similar to the likes of Corey Harawira-Naera and Hudson Young already at the club.
The Raiders would be wary of bringing in a potential off-field distraction in Elliott with the club already dealing with two incidents this off-season.
Tom Starling was arrested and charged following an altercation at a Central Coast Bar earlier this month while Jordan Rapana recently pleaded guilty to drink driving.
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