Wakefield begin to plan ahead as hooker Ellis signs

Ellis, 26, started at Hull KR but came to prominence with Barrow, winning the 2009 Championship player of the year following the Cumbrians’ Grand Final success.

He moved to London last season, has been ever-present this term and signs a three-year contract with Trinity, their first capture since surprisingly securing a Super League licence last week.

Hull KR have not announced any new signings but the news that key Australian half-backs Michael Dobson and Blake Green have each agreed to extend their stay in East Yorkshire is perhaps more significant.

They were both due out of contract at the end of 2012 but yesterday signed new three-year deals to end speculation about their future.

Such has been Dobson’s positive influence on the Robins, the 25-year-old has continually been touted with a move back to the NRL almost since his move from Canberra in 2008.

Green, 24, arrived from Canterbury this season and has been a similar revelation, both alongside Dobson and during his fellow Australian’s extended absence through injury.

“I’m happy in Hull and I get along really well with Blake, who’s probably been our best performer this year; I’m happy he’s going to be staying with me here for the next few years,” he said.

Bradford Bulls have signed Penrith Panthers centre Adrian Purtell, 26, on a three-year deal.

“He has played virtually every first-grade game in the past two years, is a big guy with speed and he’ll be an asset,” said head coach Mick Potter.

Crusaders coach Iestyn Harris has had a “very positive” meeting with the RFL on the club’s decision to withdraw from Super League and is “confident a satisfactory” conclusion will be reached.