Rugby superstar is set to return home

Gareth Ellis

Published on 05/08/2012 06:45

A rugby league superstar brought up in Selby is about to make his way back to these shores after a hugely successful three years in Australia.

After being named player of the year for three consecutive seasons at Sydney National Rugby League club Wests Tigers, former Selby High School pupil Gareth Ellis has decided to return home – and to the Super League – by signing for Hull FC.

A three-year contract starts in November, and he has confirmed to the Selby Times that he will be back here in mid-October after fulfilling his commitments to the New South Wales club.

The 31-year-old former Leeds Rhinos second-rower, as well as Great Britain and England international, attracted the interest of a number of Super League clubs after announcing his intention to return home when he still had a year to run on his contract in Sydney.

He had the pick of the top clubs, but opted to link up with Hull’s new boss Peter Gentle, who was assistant coach at Wests Tigers until the end of last season.

“I was lucky to have a few clubs interested, but I’ve been listening to Hull and to the ambition they have got, and the prospects they’re trying to put in place for the future, and the bottom line for me was that it was a great time to be involved with Hull FC,” he is quoted as saying.

I suspect being nearer to Selby is an issue as homesickness and an ankle injury were cited as reasons for his mid-season trip to England in 2011 when he was reduced to 18 appearances.

Gentle said: “If we’re looking to take this club to another level, we need the addition of one or two class players to bring out the best of the talented squad we currently have in place, and we have definitely achieved that with the signing of Gareth.”

And Gareth has promised a full interview with the Selby Times when he gets back.

So watch this space as we keep you updated on his movements.

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Rugby superstar is set to return home

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