Ellis commits to Featherstone

James Gordon

Featherstone have handed a new three-year deal to hooker Andy Ellis.

Ellis, 28, first joined Rovers last season on loan before returning to Wakefield for their run to the Super League play-offs.

The former Harlequins number nine made a permanent switch to the Bigfellas Stadium in the close season, and has made 21 appearances for the club in 2013.

He said: “I’m really enjoying my time at Featherstone Rovers and playing regular Rugby. There are lots of positive things happening both on and off the field at the club at the moment.

“I am fully focused on the remaining games this season to finish on a high and I am looking forward to working with John Bastian in the future. I feel the club has an exciting and prosperous and Rovers is the place to be.”

Ellis’ re-signing is expected to be the first of many, following the news that PROBIZ chief Faisal Nahaboo had increased his shareholding in the club and invested further funds.

Nahaboo said: “Well it’s very simple! The board, the staff, the fans and the dressing room want him to stay, so we offered Andy the chance to be a key squad member to lead us into and hopefully play in Super League. I have total faith in his abilities and we have rewarded him for his potential to continue to develop with John Bastian.”

Ellis has also previously played for Hull KR and Barrow, where he won Championship Player of the Year in 2009.