A new year brings a new challenge for York City Knights latest recruit Jamie Ellis who’s previous Super League experience will bring hope and ambition to James Ford’s side in 2022.
The 32 year-old Ellis joined the Knights in the off season having previously played on loan from Leigh Centurions last season.
He joined the club at a time when they were short in the half-back department and, here, he spoke highly of the clubs ambitions and the strong relationship he has with James Ford.
“I was just coming back from injury at Leigh, I was out for eight weeks and wasn’t getting game time. I had the opportunity to come to York, I knew James Ford quite well as I had spoken to him in the past.
“As soon as I heard York wanted me I jumped on the opportunity and when I went it was a breath of fresh air. The way it’s run, the way Fordy does his schedule, it’s Super League quality
“Fordy is the best coach I’ve had in terms of the relationship I have had. I have always seen myself as one of the young lads in a Super League side whereas at York I feel like I’m one of the leaders here.
“Myself, Chris Clarkson, Danny Kirmond, Jordan Thompson, they are all experienced here. I speak to him (Ford) on a daily basis and you have to have that connection with the coach to make things good for yourself and the future.
Half-back Liam Harris is a new addition to the Knights set up this year and, like Ellis, has had previously spells with the Knights in 2017 and 2019. The pair have also played which other before at Hull Kingston Rovers when Harris was developing.
Head coach James Ford will certainly have a headache this season when it comes to picking a half back partnership with Ellis, Harris and Brendan O’Hagan all battling out for a place in the matchday squads.
Ellis is relishing the opportunity to push himself in 2022 and to work alongside Harris.
“He (Harris) is a good runner of the ball. When I was at Hull KR with him he was just a young lad coming through, and he seems like he has really matured.
“He’s played regularly he’s become more confident with himself, bossing people into position which is something you need to do as a scrum-half.
“He is looking really sharp. I think Fordy is going to have a headache when he picks the team for the season, Brendan is due to come back and I have heard really good things about him. He talks up in training and it’s great that we have three of us fighting for that halfback spot.”
“I think in every team you need competition. It means you can’t be complacent, for me being who I am, I need to be pushed and if there is someone on my heels it makes me train harder and play better.
“Having the likes of Brendan and Liam there is really going to push me and get the best out of me. I feel I still have a lot in me.”
Knights fans can see Ellis and the other new recruits in action for the first time against the Midlands Hurricanes and Castleford Tigers as James Ford’s side prepare for the 2022 Betfred Championship season. Fans can pick up tickets from the York Stadium Management Company Ticket Office in-person or over the phone on 01904 942232. Alternatively, fans can buy 24/7 from the Online Ticket Office at yorkcityknights.com/tickets.
