FORMER Tathra Sea Eagle Adam Elliott is on the verge of taking on the NRL for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Elliott has enjoyed a hugely successful representative rugby league career, including being named captain of the National Youth Competition (NYC) Bulldogs squad.
On Thursday, he was named in the full-time NRL roster and will aim to impress selectors for a playing spot in the 2015 season.
In an interview with Bulldogs TV, Elliott said he was eager to take on the challenge.
“I got a bit of a taste of it before Chrissy last year and it’s awesome to get the call up to stick with them full time this year,” Elliott said.
“Obviously I want to get up there and have a crack and play with the big fellas in the first grade.”
However, there is a long road yet to follow and Elliott has no misconceptions about the opportunity he has.
“When you step up you have to become a bit more professional.”
Injuries have hampered his season this year, but the rising star is under the watchful eye of some of the NRL’s best physios.
“I’ve had a couple of injuries so keeping on top of them will be key to getting a full season under my belt.”
In the lead-up to the season, Elliott said he aimed to polish some of his playing techniques and also bulking up.
“I am really looking forward to training with Harry [Bulldogs trainer Harry Harris] and maybe putting a few kilos on,” Elliott said in the interview.
“Just getting the ball in my hands and doing a bit more ball playing.
“Anyone can tuck it under their wing and run hard and tackle hard.
“It is just about refining some of those skills that makes my game look a bit more attractive.”
For now, he is eyeing off the NSW Cup side and getting some minutes on the field under his belt.
Elliott played this season as captain of the Holden Cup side and said he enjoyed leading the troops.
“I like being the one to motivate the team and inspire a few of the fellas,” Elliott said.
“It even comes back to the days playing down at Tathra - I think my team-mates would say it comes natural [to me] and it’s just carried on in my footy so far,” he said.
There is no denying the enthusiasm and gritty determination of this young Tathra footballer.
This rising talent, who previously played along Tathra Primary School mates, including Duncan Waters, could soon represent in the NRL alongside Dale Finucane.
