Gateshead Thunder have added full-back Mike Ellis to their roster for the 2011 Championship One season.

Ellis, 22, a Masters student in Sports and Exercise Psychology at Hull, is a regular for his university this term.

"I believe being at Thunder, with the coaching and the set up that they have, can make me into a better player," Ellis said.

"I hope to make a mark in the Championship with the club and in each game that I play."

Director of Rugby Chris Hood said of the capture: "Mike is a tidy player and has shown a great ability to read play in both offence and defence each time I have seen him play.

"He's a tough sort of fullback, who isn't afraid to stick his head where it might get hurt, and he brings a professional nature both on and off the field."

Ellis' brother, Andy, currently plays for Harlequins in Super League.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version