Jamie Ellis determined to depart from Hull KR on a high

HULL KR’S Jamie Ellis has spoken of his “respect” for coach Tony Smith as he bids to finish his Robins career on a high before moving to Leigh Centurions.
Jamies Ellis: Grateful to Tony Smith.Jamies Ellis: Grateful to Tony Smith.
Jamies Ellis: Grateful to Tony Smith.

The scrum-half, 30, rejoins the Championship club next term, having previously enjoyed a prolific campaign with them in 2011.

With uncertainty about whether he would earn a contract at Rovers, he has opted for a switch to promotion-chasing Leigh, who have also announced the capture of Toronto Wolfpack’s Australian half-back Blake Wallace for 2021.

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“I have a lot of love for Hull KR and I’ve enjoyed my time with the team,” said Ellis, in his second spell at KR, having helped earn promotion when on loan from Huddersfield Giants in 2016.

“But I feel a move would be best for me at this time. Before I leave I want to finish on a high.

“The club’s shown plenty of fight since coming back from lockdown and last week’s result shows just what we’re capable of.

“Tony Smith is a man I have a lot of respect for. I’d like to thank him for bringing me to Rovers and showing plenty of faith in me and also how professionally he’s dealt with me moving on at the end of the year.

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“Now the deal is sorted, my sole focus is doing the best that I can for Rovers for 2020. I wish them all the best once I move on.”

The former Hull FC player arrived from Castleford Tigers this term and has played four games for Super League’s bottom side.

He hopes to earn a recall for Friday’s fixture with champions St Helens after missing Thursday’s shock 34-18 win over leaders Wigan Warriors, a first league victory in eight outings.

Ellis helped win the Northern Rail Cup final in his previous spell at Leigh under Ian Millward and played alongside current Centurions coach John Duffy.

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He said: “That was one of the best times of my career. I’d love to replicate that in 2021.

“I have been mates with John since we played together. When he started coaching I texted him every time he moved to a new club asking when he was going to sign me!

“We are going to have a really strong squad next season with some exciting new arrivals adding to an established squad.

“I think Leigh would have gone close to promotion this year had the season not been halted.”

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