Hull FC’s Ellis ruled out for 12 weeks with foot injury

The Black and Whites feared the 31-year-old second row could have faced a lengthier spell on the sidelines after injuring his foot in the warm-up for Hull’s opening match of Super League against Leeds Rhinos 12 days ago.

Specialists have now ruled out surgery, but Hull captain Ellis has suffered a stress fracture and must wear a protective boot for six weeks before he can be reassessed.

“We’ve had a number of possible outcomes over the last few days and that’s why we have taken our time over this to ensure we make the best decision for Gareth and the team,” said Hull head coach Peter Gentle.

“Six weeks is about the best we could have hoped for so that is a big positive for us and then from there we can see how he is.

“We have to be realistic; he’ll probably need at least four to five weeks from getting the boot off to get back running on the foot and build up his fitness again, so we’re looking at something around 10 to 12 weeks.”

Gentle added: “We’ll certainly take that, there were a number of scenarios that could have meant a longer period on the sidelines, but we won’t rush him back as this isn’t just about now, it’s about making sure it doesn’t happen again.”

Ellis, the 31-year-old former Leeds Rhinos and Wakefield player, joined the KC Stadium club in the winter after playing in Australia for Wests Tigers. His last season Down Under was blighted by injury, but Hull have revealed this injury is not related and hope it can heal naturally.

“We couldn’t have done much more for Gaz and everyone has really rallied round for him,” said Gentle.

“We’ve had special equipment on loan to us from people like Smith & Nephew, Minstergate Hyundai have arranged an automatic car so he can still get to training and there has been a real feeling of we’re all in this together, which is quite apparent round the club at present.”

Castleford stand-off Rangi Chase has been banned for two matches after being found guilty of a reckless strike during his side’s 14-12 Super League win over Leeds.

Chase was charged over the tackle that knocked out England team-mate Zak Hardaker and was also fined £300 when he appeared in front of the RFL’s disciplinary committee.

He misses Saturday’s trip to Bradford and the visit of Catalan Dragons on Sunday week.