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.

Cheers.

One of the best players to ever pull on the Black & White, will be a big loss, but I can understand his reasons for wanting to go out on a high.

What do you mean?

oops! meant 'can' of course, bloody auto-correct

Top top player no coincidence we always look better when he is on the pitch will be big loss to us .

Watched him play out here near his peak for West Tigers. Have seen players coming here from the English game for almost 50 years and he certainly ranks in my top 10. Only seen him play for Hull FC once at Wembley last year. A truly great player.

Still at the top of my ranking is Mal Reilly. It was great to see him again as a pundit on yesterdays TV game at Castleford.

Youngest ever Trinity Captain at 23 (he was either 22 or 23) and came through our Academy.
Exceptional player and a great guy too.

A real asset to the game of RL.

Sheens gave him a glowing tribute was devastated when he left Wests tried to get him to stay but understood why he wanted to come home he has been the difference so many times for you

Ellis is Hull's best signing since Steve Norton. A giant of a player. Will be missed massively.

It's great news that he'll be staying at the club in an important off field role.

forums.leagueunlimited.com/threa ... es.465903/

forums.leagueunlimited.com/threa ... es.465903/

If Cats get relegated could we move for Bird? He's as good as replacement as we could hope for.

No quota spots. But could see some structure goalpost moving should Catalans SL tenure look dodgy.

Weren't relegated quota players exempt this year? Or am I getting confused with the Bradford situation?

Who are our signed up non-fed players next year?

1. Kelly
2. Faraimo
3. Tuimavave
4. Paea
5. Manu

So is that the end for Mini and Michaels?