South Sydney have welcomed the depth and experience of Adam Elliott into their side after signing the un-contracted forward for 2026.

The 31-year-old has inked a one-year deal and lifeline to extend his NRL career after not being offered a contract by Newcastle for the upcoming season.

Elliot's signing strengthens the Bunnies' forward pack following Kangaroos and Tonga representative second-row Keaon Koloamatangi's departure to the Dragons on a five year deal.

The Wiradjuri man spent the back end of 2025 on the sidelines with a torn bicep, managing just seven appearances for the year with the Knights.

He has made 173 NRL appearances after debuting with the Bulldogs in 2016.

The Bunnies become Elliot's fourth club, who has also spent time at the Raiders during his career.

"Adam has been a consistent performer at the NRL level for a decade now and we feel he will add experience and create more depth within our forwards stocks this season," South Sydney head of recruitment and retention Mark Ellison said.

"He is renowned as a hardworking and aggressive forward, a punishing defender, and he has a reputation as a leader of men and a player that teammates want to play with.

"We're looking forward to seeing him in red and green this season and we welcome him, his wife Millie, and his children Lenny and Gigi to the Rabbitohs family."

Elliott is a two-time Indigenous All Stars representative, and featured for NSW Country in 2017.

The Rabbitohs are expecting to bring a more settled lineup into the 2026 after an injury-littered campaign in another disappointing season last year.

Alongside captain Cameron Murray, Indigenous stars Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker's seasons were also interrupted.