Wednesday 12th May 10

England forward Gareth Ellis has re-signed with the Wests Tigers for a further two seasons.

Rated the world’s best second-rower, Ellis is in his second season of a three-year stint with the NRL club but has agreed to further extend his deal which keeps him at Wests Tigers until the end of the 2013 season.

Ellis has played 30 games for Wests Tigers and was named the club’s player of the year in 2009 in his first season in the NRL.

The announcement was made this morning in Australia.

“Gareth had an immediate and dramatic impact on the NRL last year,’’ said Wests Tigers CEO Stephen Humphreys.

“His efforts in 2009 saw him win the Wests Tigers Player of the Year award, earn selection in the English side for the Four Nations tournament, and the inaugural NRL All Stars side.

“Gareth is one of our most popular and professional players. He possesses a great work ethic and is a real leader both on and off the field.

“He and his partner Rachael, along with their young son Isaac, have become integral members of the Tigers family and we are thrilled with their decision to commit to us for this extended period.”