Ellis called up to England squad

England coach Steve McNamara has drafted Wests Tigers forward Gareth Ellis into his train-on squad ahead of the Gillette Four Nations tournament starting next month against Australia, New Zealand and Wales.

Ellis, who has been one of the outstanding forwards in the year’s Australian NRL competition, will join up with the England squad early next month at their training base in Loughborough.

The 30-year-old has made 18 first grade appearances for the Tigers this season, scoring three tries, and helped Wests reach the play-offs losing to New Zealand Warriors at the weekend.

“We are delighted that Gareth is fully fit and available for the Gillette Four Nations,” said England coach Steve McNamara. “It is a massive boost for the whole country and will add real strength to our pack.

“He’s had a groin problem, but he has changed his rehabilitation programme midway through the season and he is fine now and looking forward to being part of our preparations.

“Gareth has been in tremendous form in the NRL and has produced some standout performances during this campaign.

“He will join up with us next month, when the full squad reports to Loughborough ahead of the tournament starting.”

The England train-on squad so far is:

Tom Briscoe (Hull FC)
Gareth Ellis (Wests Tigers)
Chris Heighington (Wests Tigers)
Jack Reed (Brisbane Broncos)
Kris Welham (Hull KR)
Kirk Yeaman (Hull FC) 

Further players will be added to England’s train-on squad as teams are eliminated from the Engage Super League play-offs.

Steve McNamara will announce his 24-man squad for the Gillette Four Nations on Monday October 10