one of the best players I have seen in a black n white shirt, his consistency levels are incredible.will be missed but its great to see him still at the club, his influence is of great value

Absolutely gutted you sort of hope he will be around forever. Few players have ever lead Hull FC out and being able to lift every player by just being there but Gareth can do that! The writing was I guess on the wall when we signed Paea who is another leader within the group but Ellis is a class apart. The finality of it all makes for an ironic plus for us at Wembley I guess and I wouldn't want to be an opposition player in his way in the next few matches great bloke real professional and as humble as you like away from the field. But at present I'm just Gutted!!



Gareth Ellis

Houghton for captain from next season then. Who for vice-captain? Washbrook or Manu?

what can I add to whats already been said, will be really missed but I guess he knows when his body is saying enough, it sounded at one time if he was going to give it another year, maybe after the last couple of games he realizes he cant go round again? great player and captain and chuffed we are keeping him on, what price the double this year?

I just feel blessed to have seen him in black and white. A hall of famer, complete legend and I think universally respected and admired. Glad he is staying. I expected this somewhat after the Paea signing.

Manu doesn't have the making of a captain. Not vocal at all off the pitch. There was a video with Watts and Taylor saying half jokingly that everyone's scared of him because he doesn't speak.

Mini has been acting captain a few games this season hasn't he? Unless he retires too.

Great news, he's retiring at the right time, and he's staying at the club in a role he's really well suited to, if he's half as good at his new role as he was as a player I see great times ahead. Hopefully he's already had a word with Kelly and knows if he (Kelly) wants to stay or go back to the NRL.

After the 28-0 derby win at home in 2014, I realised I'd seem the most brutal defensive stint I'd ever seen from one player.

He makes players feel ten feet tall when he is out there.

In one word, irreplaceable.

Privileged

Privileged to have seen him play at our great club these past few seasons.

Immense player, immense leader, and a top bloke too. Possibly our most influential signing of the SL era.

Great to see that he's staying at the club too.

I loved him at Leeds, and liked him at Hull. I was glad he got to win a Challenge Cup to complete his set.

One of the fiercest tacklers I've ever seen. I used to love his bone-shaking hits.

If we don't get a home play-off semi-final, Ellis' last home game for Hull FC will be versus his first club, Wakefield. Fitting way to bow out at home that.

I don't think Paea is Ellis' replacement, nor is the return of Hadley. I expect a signing to replace Gaz.

Really? We've retained virtually all our OOC players, some like Kelly will be on a decent upgrade. Faraimo replaces Fonua. Hadley will be extra cap year over year. Paea coming in on a decent wedge. Can't see how we squeeze an Ellis replacement in on top of that.

Me neither, plus we have no quota spots available.

Think we are tight on the cap due to upgrades, so think this allows Hadley to come back.

He is going to be very difficult indeed to replace, one of the very best player's I have seen in a Hull shirt. Undoubtedly the best captain I've seen, the whole team is so much better with him on the pitch. Having said that they are learning to win without him and time waits for no man, we all knew that this day would be coming soon. Still there's still room for a couple more trophies to add to the legend so fingers crossed that turns out right.

And finally to those "experts" who said that he only came to Hull collect his pension - how wrong you were.

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All of that...
Player I've felt the most privileged to have seen in my near 28 years as a fan

be surprised to see any sort of replacement myself too many upgrades and particularly back loaded contracts to deal with, Paea isn't coming cheap either and Kelly has had a big increase for next year. Hadley back and a bit of wriggle room but nothing more.

An inspirational player and a top guy, will be missed on the field but glad we are keeping him on as Player Manager. A great incentive for the playing squad to send him off with a fitting finale to cap a superb playing career. A GRAND FINAL appearance could be Gareth's 100th and final appearance for Hull FC - wouldn't it be nice if he went out with a Gold Ring. COYH

Been a privilege to see Gareth Ellis not only pull on the Black & White shirt but to see the impact he has had throughout the club and been an instrumental part of getting Hull FC back to being genuine challengers.

After watching/supporting Hull FC for over 35 years I've seen some true greats of RL play for Hull FC but for me Ellis is unquestionably the greatest all round player we have had both on & off the field. The first player to Captain a side that won at Wembley will be something no one can ever take away from him.

Gutted this will be his last season playing as he will be a huge miss for the squad next season as he is pretty much irreplaceable but wish him all the best. Taking over Motu's role won't be easy with the job he has done for us but can see Ellis proving a major asset in that role and continuing to keep this great club moving forward.

Devastated.

Great news that he's staying with the club, though. If he can pass on his professionalism to the next generation, it will be fantastic.

Out of general curiosity, does anyone know:
- what exactly a Football Manager does?
- whether Gareth has done any qualifications outside rugby (I know that many players do, and I'm sure I've read that Motu got himself a business degree)?

i think its like the old Director of Rugby role which McRae used to have - deal with off field player issues / recruitment etc.

Personally I think the sports industry, more than any other is all about who you know rather then what you know.

Obviously I want a Leeds win in the GF but if that doesn't happen I hope Hull win just to see this guy lift the trophy as captain.

From a Cas fan

Gareth Ellis is a true RL legend and a great asset for Hull.

I sincerely hope you send him off with a CC win next week and, If we cannot win the GF, I hope you win that too.