Ellis to return to UK in 2013

[hybrid_tiger]

Josh Massoud has just tweeted this:

BREAKING: Gareth Ellis given a release from the last year of his contract @Wests_Tigers to return to UK end 12. Story @telegraph_sport soon.

https://twitter.com/#!/josh_massoud/status/174365406881005568

This is devastating news.

He is virtually irreplaceable.

 

[azsportza]

It is a terrible shame that he is being released by the club.

This story has been confirmed by the Wests Tigers and they will be posting about it shortly on weststigers.com.au

 

[azsportza]

MEDIA RELEASE:

GARETH ELLIS TO RETURN HOME TO ENGLAND IN 2013

Wests Tigers have today agreed to release international second-rower Gareth Ellis a year earlier from his contract to enable him to return home to England in 2013.

The England second-rower – rated by many as the best in the world – was contracted to Wests Tigers until the end of 2013 but asked the Club for a release after this season.

“Whilst we are disappointed, we have granted Gareth his wish to return to England at the end of this year,’’ said Wests Tigers CEO Stephen Humphreys.

Full Story: http://www.weststigers.com.au/defau...areth-ellis-to-return-home-to-england-in-2013

 

[MadPie]

Shame..hope we send him home with a Premiership Ring


Wests Tigers have today agreed to release international second-rower Gareth Ellis a year earlier from his contract to enable him to return home to England in 2013.
The England second-rower – rated by many as the best in the world – was contracted to Wests Tigers until the end of 2013 but asked the Club for a release after this season.
“Whilst we are disappointed, we have granted Gareth his wish to return to England at the end of this year,’’ said Wests Tigers CEO Stephen Humphreys.
“Gareth has been an integral member of the Wests Tigers team in recent years. He has taken his game to another level under Club and Australian Test Coach Tim Sheens and is held in the highest esteem by everyone at Wests Tigers.
“Gareth will leave Wests Tigers with our blessing – and hopefully an NRL premiership.”
Ellis, who turns 31 this year, made his NRL debut for Wests Tigers in round 1 of the 2009 season against Canberra at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.
He has played 64 games for Wests Tigers and has won the Club’s Player of the Year award for the past three years. He is the only Wests Tigers player to achieve such a feat.
Ellis had his contract extended during the middle of last season until the end of 2013. Part of the new contract saw an option for Ellis to return to England after the 2012 season.
“I feel the time is right for me to return to England,’’ Ellis said.
“It was a difficult decision to make as I have really enjoyed my time at Wests Tigers. Everyone at the Club has been terrific to me and my family. I couldn’t ask for more.
“I have a young son now. My wife Rachael and I feel it is time to head home to our families at the end of this season.
“I can assure Wests Tigers supporters I will be giving it my all to ensure the team finishes high up as possible so we can give ourselves another strong chance of winning the Telstra Premiership.”

 

[Tommy Smith]

It will be sad to see the poor man's Adrian Morley leave our shores.

Im just kidding. I saw the headline from the Main Forum page and even as a neutral was disappointed to hear the news. I think when you factor in every aspect of a backrowers game - workrate, tackling (hard-hitting as well, no flopping), mobility, off-loading ability, leadership, hole-running (particularly close to the try line) - he is IMO the most complete backrower in the game.

Perhaps just behind Paul Gallen as a player (although debatable), but nontheless as automatic a selection as anyone in a starting World XIII.

A sad loss for the NRL indeed.

 

[Tiger05]

Not good news however the club should let him go if it suits him and his family.

Hopefully we get a premiership this year.

 

[hybrid_tiger]

It will be sad to see the poor man's Adrian Morley leave our shores.

Im just kidding. I saw the headline from the Main Forum page and even as a neutral was disappointed to hear the news. I think when you factor in every aspect of a backrowers game - workrate, tackling (hard-hitting as well, no flopping), mobility, off-loading ability, leadership, hole-running (particularly close to the try line) - he is IMO the most complete backrower in the game.

Perhaps just behind Paul Gallen as a player (although debatable), but nontheless as automatic a selection as anyone in a starting World XIII.

A sad loss for the NRL indeed.

Agreed. Gallen is the only player I can think of who could effectively replace Ellis.

We have a serious hole to fill in 2013 and beyond.

 

[Tommy Smith]

Perhaps we now know why the Tigers moved heaven and earth to sign Adam Blair?

Maybe they knew Ellis intended to leave after 2012 and wanted a quality, experienced backrower capable of filling the leadership role in the forward pack from 2013 onwards.

 

[hybrid_tiger]

Could be right. Extra glad we signed Blair now.

 

[madunit]

Tuqiri leaves at the end of this year too.

I wouldn't be surprised if we're freeing up cash to sign a big name player next year, like Cooper Cronk

 

[Tigers Tale]

This is a massive blow but he has earn't his release and like a lot of other English players to have played for Balmain or Wests, he will be fondly remembered...certainly will be by this supporter. Good luck Gareth, one of the best I have seen and I have seen many over the years...

 

[Matchball]

Give him more money to stay that extra year on his contract. Sweeten the deal.
He is worth it.

 

[Gus22]

I wonder if the club would be tempted to throw Ellis & Tuquiri's money at $BW?

 

[DanOz]

Tuqiri leaves at the end of this year too.

I wouldn't be surprised if we're freeing up cash to sign a big name player next year, like Cooper Cronk

Hoping like hell we sign Michael Gordon at the end of this year. His goalkicking and speed at fullback would make us a world class backline as long as Moltzen was even mediocre. Cronk wont leave the salary cap cheats, they will sweeten his deal...

 

[super_coach]

Great player but we probably have seen his very best years. Father time and injuries have started to creep up. Dont get me wrong he is still better than most but now we can target the next generation star to fill the gap, their will be plenty of cap space next year so its up to Warren McDondald to find us a new gun backrower

 

[Blackdiamond]

Delete - Double Post

 

[Blackdiamond]

Devastating news, but understand. Family should come first. I put him up there with one of the best I have seen. Although he gets plenty of wraps, he is still underrated.
I think we need to replace Ellis with another top class experienced 2nd rower - not another back. God knows who can take his place?? The only one I can think of is possibly Beau Scott?
$BW is off to the Roosters - wouldn't want him.

 

[851]

Our best ever buy,he is irreplacable,I would consider SBW or Dave Taylor as a likely secondrow replacements,there are not many others who come to mind.

 

[Magpies Forever]

Sad news but cant blame him wanting to go home to the extended family with his young son.

Maybe look to snare another quality English second rower?

 

[sensesmaybenumbed]

Our best ever buy,he is irreplacable,I would consider SBW or Dave Taylor as a likely secondrow replacements,there are not many others who come to mind.

Taylor or $BW would be a step in the wrong direction. Ellis is top shelf and the other backrowers who could equal him, such as Gallen, Watmough on song or Lewis aren't on the market anyhow. In a dream world, Dwyer would make a miracle return in 2013...