I really don`t see why we need Ellis. In Tickle, Manu and Westerman we are sorted, the young kids as backup are showing that they are more than capable and
adequate. Fund the youth and then we don`t lose out on the Scott Taylors of this world, as we did do....

You assume right. And I agree again, it should only be done if he's fully on board. He's been far too good for us to deserve being given the runaround so that we can accomodate someone else IMO.

There's no denying that in isolation Ellis would be an excellent signing, both on the field and off, but I just hope we aren't get carried away with making a statement of intent to the detriment of our squad balance.

On the other hand I suspect this will all prove irrelevant when Ellis signs for Leeds.

Can't see Tickle moving to prop. In 1 of this weeks RL paper, cant remember which one, there was a piece on Tickle being in such fine form. Basically just said that he didn't see himself as a middle of the park player and was much happier out wide in the 2nd row. Also said that Gentle was more then happy playing him there.

Who says we can't sign Gareth Ellis as well as a prop and a centre?

Rugby league is a XVII man game these days and if it means that Manu or Westerman starts on the bench then so be it. It's not like they'd be being dropped.

We are probably 2nd favourites to sign Ellis but I'm glad we are being linked with him and making a serious attempt to being him to the club.

Even his agent doesn't know which Club that he will pick .What if Leeds or any other Club have put in a crap offer
It's just paper talk who is favorite .The man might want a change and to look at the type of players the Club of his
choice are looking to sign also who the coach his and how the way the Club is being run .At his age this move could be his last and he has to make the right choice.If reports are correct Hull FC have put in a good offer it's wait and see time now

If we can, great, I'm just not convinced that Martin + Turner + Moa + Aspinwall + £60k = Ellis + new centre + new prop. Not if we want them to be of the right quality. That's on the basis that we could keep O'Meley, Manu, and Whiting on similar money, plus either keep Sharp or replace him for a similar cost. We also have 2 youngsters in Nicklas and Bowden who are now in and around the first team and could have a few games under their belts by the end of the season, which will put them on our cap and if we're keeping them they will probably get a pay rise.

Here here.

Signed/agreed - use whatever terms you wish.

The info was Leeds had agreed a deal back in December. I have no idea why the delay in announcing, they know what they are doing. His dad may be lying but I don't know why he would.

Which if we're keeping them because they do well I can't see how they wouldn't be, can you?

McKinnon, Sharp, Yeaman, Briscoe, Horne, Seymour, O'Meley, Houghton, Lynch, Manu, Tickle, Westerman, Heremaia, Whiting, O'Carroll is only 15, adding in Ellis, a new centre, and if we could somehow manage 2 props as replacements for Martin/Moa/Turner/Aspinwall would still only make it 19. I can't see that of the remaining squad Bowden & Nicklas wouldn't be in the top 6 earners with the respective appearance they're likely to have.

As good a player as Ellis is I just can't really see the logic of signing him when we are pretty strong in that area unless as some have alluded too we are going to be losing someone.

It maybe we are able to over him a deal that will allow us to manage the cap ok and a deal that is not over the odds. Whether it is better or not than anyone elses we will never know.
It may also be that Pearson & McRae know he is most likely to sign for Leeds but no harm in being linked with a player of Ellis' quality for future recruitment and also shows the intentions of Hull FC under Pearsons ownership.

It could also be a way of driving up the price that Leeds would have to pay Ellis which in turn ties up more cap space for one of our rivals??

Maybe it was all a dream?

Sorry mate but you have just been owned big style

If Ellis wins a trophy at FC I will buy a shirt and where it for a season!

To save blushes and as it's been confirmed, can we use the new thread please

Thanking you kindly!