Hull must take their cue from Castleford, says Ellis

The former England second-row should return from injury this week to try and restore some pride and spirit to their squad following an abysmal loss at Wigan.

Woeful Hull endured their worst defeat of the year as they fell 56-10 on Friday in an embarrassing defeat that all but ended their hopes of making the play-offs.

Their itinerary does not get any easier on Thursday as they host title-chasing Castleford Tigers, a side more than capable of inflicting similar damage if they are in the mood or if Hull are equally as shambolic.

Asked how hard it will be to rouse their deflated squad in time for that contest, Ellis told The Yorkshire Post: “It could be tough or easy.

“It’s one way or the other. I’ve played most of the year but, even having watched from the side on Friday night, that was probably as bad as it’s got.

“It was absolutely dire. Maybe one or two players could come away with a little bit of credit but apart from that it was the total opposite.

“I just hope we haven’t thrown the cue in the rack. We can dismiss the play-offs. We have to be realistic.

“Still, this group of players won’t be together next year – some are going, others will be coming in – but they have to show pride in the jersey and bring a bit of character to the club.”

Hull, without a win in five games, are six points adrift of the top eight with just six games remaining.

As a Castlefordian, one would expect Ellis to be delighted with the way his home-town club have fared. They are just a point off top and 80 minutes away from Wembley but the 33-year-old countered: “ It’s the opposite really. The family are all gloating at the moment!

“It just shows how well they’ve done coming from third bottom last year to now fighting for both pieces of silverware.

“Credit to them. It’s a similar squad to what Cas had last year and just shows how it can be turned around. It’s something we can take a leaf out of their book.”