Hull captain Gareth Ellis has agreed a new contract that will keep him at the club until the end of the 2017 season.

The 34-year-old former England and Great Britain forward was facing an uncertain future after sustaining a season -ending ruptured Achilles injury last July but he made his comeback in February and has played in eight of his club's 11 matches so far this year.

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"It was one of my goals at the start of the year, knowing that my contract would be up, to secure a new deal, especially with the injury I suffered last season," Ellis said.

"Before I got it signed it was obviously up in the air but I was determined as I've been enjoying playing and I still want to achieve things at this club.

"To get it done is a relief and a massive motivation to do well. It has worked out well and it's nice to get it put to bed so we can crack on."

Ellis, a Grand Final winner with Leeds, is in his fourth season with the Black and Whites after they fought off competition from virtually every other club in Super League when he opted to return from a successful four-year spell in the NRL with Wests Tigers.

He led his side to the Challenge Cup final at Wembley in his first season and retired from international rugby league on the eve of the 2013 World Cup in order to concentrate on his club rugby.

Hull coach Lee Radford said: "I'm really pleased for Gaz. It's fantastic that he is staying and wants to go around again.

"Our recruitment for 2017 won't be as busy as it has been. We are looking for continuity and Gaz is a central part of that.

"We believe we have a good squad, a competitive squad and maintaining that moving forward is key, built around people like him.

"He has shown in the games he has played how important he is for us. His actions and leadership will be key over the coming seasons in our quest for success.

"As well as his efforts on the field he is a role model off it for any budding young player."