Ellis named as Hull FC skipper again

Hull FC coach Lee Radford has named Gareth Ellis as his team’s skipper for 2015, with hooker Danny Houghton retaining his position as vice-captain.

Ellis, 33, will be leading the Black and Whites into action for the third consecutive season.

“For me Gareth has grown into the role because at first I’m not sure it came naturally to him, but I certainly feel he has developed his leadership skills and become more vocal within the group,” said Radford.

“He’s a player that has improved with age which is credit to the conditioning and the manner in which he looks after himself off the field.

“He is an ambassador for the game and in my opinion was arguably the best back row forward in the competition last year, which I’m sure he’ll be able to improve on in 2015 with the combination on the left hand side with Kirk [Yeaman], Fetuli Talanoa, and the addition of Marc Sneyd too.

“This time round I think he may feel even more comfortable because he’ll be surrounded by at least two more senior players in Leon Pryce and Mark Minichiello, and he is already reaping the benefits of their added experience.

“There are a few players that only just missed out, Liam Watts has really turned a corner in the last six months with regards to his approach to the game and we saw the benefits of that towards the back end of last year which is really pleasing for the coaching staff and the fans.

“Setaimata Sa is another player that was in the mix, although he doesn’t say much when he talks the rest of the group listen.

“That’s not to say that these players still won’t be leaders on the pitch. It means that Gareth is now in a better position than what he has been in previous seasons because he is surrounded by leaders.”

Radford was also pleased that Houghton was vice-captain for the third successive season, too.

“Danny’s leadership qualities tend to be of a do as I do mentality, he plays consistently well every week and has done season on season,” the coach added.

“For what he delivers to the team he ranks in the top crop of players in the League, you only have to look at his statistics both offensively and defensively to see how important he is to Hull FC.

“His service is impeccable and the energy that he performs with is phenomenal and that alone inspires team mates to follow suit.”