GARETH ELLIS has been appointed as an assistant coach of York Knights ahead of the 2027 season.
The former Great Britain and England international will work alongside head coach Mark Applegarth, with whom he played at Wakefield Trinity at the beginning of his playing career, and fellow assistant Chris Thorman.
A legend in the game, Ellis’ playing career spanned 21 years and more than 400 career appearances with Wakefield, Leeds Rhinos and two spells at Hull FC either side of three seasons at Wests Tigers in the NRL.
Ellis was a Grand Final winner and two-time Challenge Cup winner during his playing career and was also nominated for the Golden Boot in 2009 during his spell in Australia.
Since retiring, he has taken on numerous coaching and off-field roles at Hull FC, most recently the club’s Player Development Manager.
Ellis, who also had a spell at the age of 17 with York Wasps, said: “It feels like a full-circle moment.
“Going back even further, my dad played for York in the late 70s, including a fixture against the touring Australian Ashes team, so there’s a real family connection to the club.
“I’m really looking forward to getting started. It’s an exciting time for the club, which has huge potential. They more than held their own in their maiden Super League season.
“I’m looking forward to working with Mark, who I know well having played alongside him at Wakefield in the early 2000s, as well as the staff and players, hopefully helping the club continue to grow and move forward.
“I’m excited to be back involved in coaching after spending the last few years in player welfare. That experience will no doubt help me in my role as assistant coach, and I’m looking forward to being part of what we’re building at York.”
Applegarth added: “He’s someone I know really well. He’s had a fantastic playing career, he’s always led by example and it’s exactly why we signed him as he moved into coaching.
“He’s got a lovely presence about him and he’s someone very relatable for the lads.
“He’s ready for a new challenge and we’re really delighted we’ve got someone of Gaz’s experience. I’m delighted to get him working with us.”