KR sign duo
6 Dec 2019
Hull KR have announced the double signing of Jamie Ellis and Ryan Brierley.
Ellis is back at Hull College Craven Park having played an integral role at the Robins during the promotion-winning 2017 campaign.
During the 12 months on loan in East Hull from his then-parent club Huddersfield Giants, Ellis equalled the consecutive goal-kicking record as well as scoring nine tries in 30 appearances.
Set to rekindle his successful partnership with Jordan Abdull in the top flight during 2020, Ellis will be back wearing Red and White after Rovers secured his release from Castleford Tigers.
“Jamie probably does not fit into the main brief of our 2020 recruitment criteria in terms of being ‘young and ambitious’ but upon meeting him and listening to his passion for the club, having already played with this team, it was great to hear,?? head coach Tony Smith told hullkr.co.uk.
“He loved his time here, still loves the club and had a very strong desire to express that. He convinced me that he is really ambitious and wants to do his best here.
“He understands that there are competition for places and that there are young and talented players in that position where he plays but he is willing to fight for that.??
Brierley has penned a one-year deal at Hull College Craven Park which sees him return to the Betfred Super League, having helped the Canadian outfit progress to the top-tier.
Brierley began his career with Leigh in 2012, scoring 22 tries in 26 appearances during his debut season. A key figure for the Centurions, a further 109 tries were scored at the Lancashire club over another 87 outings, proving himself to be one of the most prolific playmakers outside of Super League.
“Ryan has developed a lot more aspects to his game over the last few years,?? head coach Tony Smith said.
“By his own self-admittance he was known as a terrific support runner and scoring plenty of tries, but he has worked hard to do more. We are happy to develop those skills further and he is coming to a place where he feels he can develop his career further.
“He convinced me that whilst he too does not fit our recruitment brief entirely, he has a real desire to be successful and the best that he can be. He has some experience but his development is not finished and he feels Hull KR is the best possible place to do that.
“There will be plenty of competition in the pivots – I am now up to five potential half-backs who will have to fight hard to get the position and then stay there.
“That is what we want, it keeps people on their toes, keeps them accountable and they have to keep producing or else we will find a different combination from within. Ryan is very aware of that fact and he wants to fight hard for the team.??
