Ellis signs Hull FC extension
Hull FC skipper Gareth Ellis has agreed to a one-year contract extension which keeps at the club until the end of 2017.
The 34-year old former Great Britain and England international recently came back from a potentially career-ending Achilles injury at the back end of the 2015 campaign.
He joined the club in 2013 after a successful spell in the NRL with Wests Tigers. Hull FC fought off competition from a host of Super League rivals for his signature and he was named captain upon arrival.
A four-time Super League Dream Team member whilst at Wakefield and Leeds Rhinos, Ellis led the Black and Whites to the Challenge Cup Final at Wembley in his first season.
He was named in the International Team of the Year for four consecutive seasons between 2007 and 2010 and was named Hull FC Players’ Player of the Year in 2014.
“It was one of my goals at the start of the year, knowing that my contract would be up, to secure a new deal, especially with the injury I suffered last season,” Ellis said.
“Before I got it signed it was obviously up in the air but I was determined as I’ve been enjoying playing and I still want to achieve things at this club.
“To get it done is a relief and a massive motivation to do well. It has worked out well and it’s nice to get it put to bed so we can crack on.”
Head coach Lee Radford said he was really pleased for Ellis.
“It’s fantastic that he is staying and wants to go around again,” he said.
“Our recruitment for 2017 won’t be as busy as it has been. We are looking for continuity and Gaz is a central part of that.
“We believe we have a good squad, a competitive squad and maintaining that moving forward is key, built around people like him. He has shown in the games he has played how important he is for us.
“His actions and leadership will be key over the coming seasons in our quest for success. As well as his efforts on the field he is a role model off it for any budding young player.
“He leads by example in how he goes about his business and his influence on the squad and the relationship between coach and captain is an integral part of any organisation.
“Gaz has a leadership role and influence that will be invaluable for our group of young, English forwards like Chris Green, Jordan Thompson, Josh Bowden, Scott Taylor, Liam Watts and Jansin Turgut.”