Hull dont use him correctly in attack. We use him like we did with Manu, give him the ball early and hope he can brush off three players and offload while making 15 metres. Instead he should be hitting the line at pace from a flat pass on the angle.
As for his defence. No one in the league hits as hard as him and as constant as be does. Barely misses tackle and due to his presence the players around him up their game on most occasions.

No dig in this post.

Fair play to Gareth Ellis he new he could come back to Super League and he'd be able to choose the highest bidder despite as we have seen this season he's no longer the player he once was.

What did he do that people considered so special before other than what he's currently doing?

He's been built up as some kind of invincible superman by many and now they think he's rubbish because he's not living up to the impossible hype.

That's from the fan of a club who was "nailed on" to get him back, despite offering only two balloons and a goldfish?

Hull have looked a much more professional outfit since Ellis has returned to the squad. His defence is out of this world, he is not a pivot and can not be solely blamed for his under par attack this season. His leadership though is worth his weight in gold.

He has being the perfect signing to captain our young players in the squad.

Sometimes its not always about skill.

Dont understand the fuss here, i think Ellis has looked very good the games i have seen him.He has watertight defence, huge work rate and reads the game very well.Its no coincidence Hull have looked a much more solid team for having him on the park.

I still dont think they have used him to his full potential regards going forward, as his main strength is hitting good tight lines off the back off quick play the balls which he did to great effect in Australia but that will probably come as the halves get settled in as a partnership.

A nailed on starter come the WC for me.

He didn't choose the highest bidder.

What player did he use to be? I'm sure he's always been Gareth Ellis.

This isn't a dig at Ellis as I quite like him. A workmanlike forward.

But does anyone know why he seems to do a lot of 'gurning' when playing ?

He seems to pull these strange faces rather a lot.

Ellis is still an international quality back rower, as could be the three you mention, plus Hock and Westwood also.

Its nice to have a bit of strength in depth for a change!

Does no one know why he gurns a lot ?

Believe in the sleeve

I see this as simply some people not understanding the role of a back rower. They do the little things that go unnoticed. Subtle at times and rarely explosive. If all you have done is watch Gareth on TV this year then I suggest you re-watch the Catalans and Wire cup games. Gareth was immense. The battle between him and Menzies in Perpignan was worth the admission fee alone. Two great warriors of our game going toe to toe. Forget Menzies age he is an absolute legend of our game who is still as good if not better than the majority of back rowers in SL.

Gareth in the wire game was fantastic and for me the mom. He runs hard and often takes 3 or 4 men to pull him down. His tackles are hard. I would suggest that many many players would think twice about running anywhere near him.
Once you see through the hype of other jonny come lately players who Sky pick up on you can see where the real quality in the league is.
Its no coincidence that Hull FC are a far better outfit with him in the 17 (playing 80 mins) than they are without him. Our season could have been so much better if he hadn't picked up that injury before the first game of the season.