Ellis rallies his troops

Hull FC captain Gareth Ellis wants his side to show more fighting spirit as they prepare to take on Huddersfield at the John Smith’s Stadium on Thursday, in the first of this weekend’s preliminary play-offs.

Ellis, 32, admits his side have endured some patchy form at times during the 2013 season, but he believes that playing with the correct character will mean further success in the play-offs.

“The key for us, when we play well, is that we have a real fighting spirit and that willingness to work really hard for each other,” said Ellis.

“Obviously that now has to continue going into the next round against Huddersfield.

“We’ve played in patches of form this year. We’ve had spells of brilliance and spells of the opposite but hopefully now is the time for a spell of that good form.”

After reaching the Tetley’s Challenge Cup final, Ellis also thinks that his side can call upon their knockout experience to help them reach a first Grand Final since 2006.

“Getting to Old Trafford is what it’s all about now. It’s a bit like a mini Challenge Cup now, with us having knockout rugby from now on,” he said.

“We just need to keep showing that fighting spirit and desire, and hopefully we can get on the good end of some positive results.”