Gareth Ellis to retire at the end of the season
Hull captain Gareth Ellis will retire at the end of the season to take up the role of Football Manager at the club.
Ellis, 36, has enjoyed a stellar 19-year career that has taken in spells at Wakefield, Leeds and Wests Tigers.
A Super League Dream Team member five times, Ellis has won two Super League titles, two World Club Challenges and one Challenge Cup, with the Airlie Birds still in contention to add to that before he hangs up his boots.
He said: “A 19 year career in professional Rugby League, launched as a teenager in 1999, has brought about a host of big decisions.
“Moving clubs on three occasions, including a round the world stint in the NRL, and returning to Hull in my current five year duty as captain of FC.
“None of those decisions have been as big or as difficult as deciding to hang up my boots!”
“But the timing is right. To bow out now while I’m able to contribute wholeheartedly on the field.
“We’re back at Wembley next weekend and in sight of only a second ever Grand Final. I’m determined to finish on a high and I’m dreaming of that fairy tale finish.”
Ellis will take on the role of Football Manager from the departing Motu Tony, working alongside head coach Lee Radford, Executive Director James Clark and Player Welfare Manager, Feka Paleaaesina.
Radford added: “It will be disappointing not to have Gareth out there on the football field next season, but I’m really excited to have him involved in an off-field role with us next season.
“He’s been absolutely fantastic to work with ever since I came through the door as head coach. He’s very professional in everything he does and we’ll miss him out on the field but with the football manager’s role being so important now, it’s great that we have someone like himself fulfilling that role.
“We have assured one final but I’d love nothing more than to see him with the Super League trophy raised above his head at Old Trafford in October. That’s what we’re all striving for at the moment and that’s the focus for us – to send him out on the highest note possible.”