Gareth Ellis has expressed his immense pride at joining an elite group of former players in Hull FC’s Hall of Fame.
Ellis was inducted to the Hall of Fame at last night’s season launch dinner, along with Kirk Yeaman, Jack Harrison and Arthur Bunting.
He became the 34th inductee, having captained Hull to back-to-back Challenge Cup titles in 2016 and 2017.
Speaking to hullfc.com after his induction, Ellis says it is an honour to join the most elite of clubs.
“It’s incredibly humbling to be named alongside the 33 other Hall of Fame members, especially when you consider that over 1000 people have played for the club throughout its history,” he said.
“It’s an amazing feeling. When you start playing the game at amateur level, becoming a Hall of Fame member is something that never even crosses your mind!
“But now I’m retired, I do often reflect on the special moments in my career. Moments like this don’t come around often and it’s something I am incredibly proud of. It’s very humbling, indeed.”
An unsuspecting Ellis came close to shedding a tear on stage at the Bonus Arena last night.
The emotion of the occasion was heightened by the fact that several key members of Gareth’s family were in attendance in the crowd, and they were bursting with pride to see him inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Ellis says it was a privilege to share the moment with his family members, who were instrumental in moulding him into the player and man he became.
“They play a big part in Gareth Ellis the person, and similarly Gareth Ellis the player,” he said.
“It takes me back to the very beginning when my dad was traipsing around Yorkshire taking me to games. People like that within your family play such a big role in making you the person you are.
“And my wife was always brilliant at consoling me when I got injured or when we got beat – she was always there to pick me up!
“So my family have been a big part of my career and it was really special to have them in the room to witness that moment.
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