Leeds beat off several clubs to land Ellis

The Wildcats skipper has accepted the same four-year deal from the Headingley club that he rejected in October.

The move comes just days after Ellis' proposed switch to Bradford broke down.

Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington said: "When it became apparent Gareth was keen to join Rhinos we were only too happy."

Ellis came close to joining Leeds three months ago when Wakefield and Rhinos agreed a deal.

But the switch collapsed when the player rejected personal terms and other clubs moved in for him.

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Hetherington added: "It's no secret that other clubs were interested in him, but they have all fallen away.

"We are building something special here at Headingley and to sign a Test player who has already played over 100 games in Super League but is still only 23 is great for us."

Wakefield coach Shane McNally said he had a number of candidates in mind to take over the captaincy and that Rob Spicer would be likely to take over Ellis' place in the first-team squad.

"It's disappointing but there is no point in dwelling on it," he said.

"We've got to move on. It gives someone else an opportunity to step up and I am sure young Rob Spicer will relish the chance to further establish himself.

"The cash means there is an opportunity to go into the market place if any player becomes available that we want."

We had always hoped that he would want to join us and I have been impressed by his determination to succeed Tony Smith

Ellis will be officially unveiled to Leeds supporters before their pre-season friendly against York at Bootham Crescent next Monday.

Rhinos coach Tony Smith said: "I am really excited about the signing.

"As much as Gareth has already achieved in his career he also has so much potential to fill and I am looking forward to working with him.

"We had always hoped that he would want to join us and I have been impressed by his determination to succeed and achieve at the highest level."