Jamie Ellis is increasing the pressure on the Huddersfield Giants’ established hookers and half-backs all the time.
And that’s exactly what head coach Paul Anderson had hoped.
The 25-year-old has played a big part in pre-season training following his arrival at the end of last season from Super League rivals Castleford Tigers.
Ellis’s ability to play either at hooker or in the halves is something that appealed to Anderson, with the aim of increasing the competition for places on key pivots Danny Brough, Luke Robinson, Shaun Lunt and Kyle Wood.
The Giants chief has yet to confirm whether he sees Ellis primarily as a hooker, half-back or a combination of both.
But whatever roles he’s eventually given, his new head coach has been highly encouraged by what he’s seen.
“Jamie’s come in here and done exactly what we’d hoped,” said Anderson.
“From the day he first walked through the door we’ve kept on challenging him, and he’s responded in the way we wanted him to.
“We’ve given him targets and he keeps on hitting them.
“At this stage, it’s still far too early to say what roles this player or that player will be given, and Jamie’s no exception. But having him here does give us another top-quality option in the halves and at hooker, and everyone coach wants that.”
But Anderson has admitted he’s been impressed with all four of his new signings, not just Ellis – with fellow former Castleford man Craig Huby, Wigan’s Jack Hughes and Bradford Bulls’ Oliver Roberts having also made their presence felt.
“They’re all going good and bringing the things we expected of them,” added Anderson.
“It has helped that they’re travelling well alongside a good group in the first place, but they’ve had to work hard to have fitted in as well as they have. That’s a credit to all four of them.
“We brought them here because we believed they’ll all add something extra to the squad, and they’re already justifying that decision.”
