Ellis confident of Hull’s home advantage

Hull FC back rower Gareth Ellis thinks that the KC Stadium might just hand his team the edge when they face Leeds in the Challenge Cup quarter-final on Friday evening.

The Airlie Birds played Leeds in Super League last weekend, and lost, but Ellis believes that the big occasion of a Cup tie makes tonight’s game different.

“Well, we’re certainly confident for it,” said Ellis.

“There’s nothing like playing at your home ground, particularly in a big game like the quarter-final of the Challenge Cup.

“The opportunity to play in the semi-finals is what it’s all about so it’s a big game for both clubs. Hopefully our home advantage, which is all you can ask for in a quarter-final, can play a big part in our success.

“It’s a huge competition. There’s only two bits of silverware available and this is one of them so it is really important for the players.

“Obviously the club is celebrating its 150th anniversary and have never won at Wembley, which we’re often reminded by our rivals, so it would mean a lot to the players to get there again this year.”