Ellis to join Tigers

Great Britain forward Gareth Ellis has confirmed he is to leave Super League champions Leeds Rhinos at the end of the season to challenge himself in Australia's National Rugby League.

The 26-year-old former Wakefield second-rower has signed a three-year deal with Wests Tigers, who made the announcement at a press conference in Sydney.

"This has been a life-changing decision based on my personal career goals to play at the elite level in both Super League in the UK and the NRL Down Under, complemented by international honours," said Ellis. "Leaving Leeds Rhinos will be a massive wrench."

Ellis made the first of 93 appearances for the Rhinos in their World Club Challenge triumph over Canterbury Bulldogs three years ago, and was the club's player of the year in 2006.

He has been capped 17 times for Great Britain and was last year named in the World XIII, having started the last 11 Tests for the Lions.

Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington said: "We are obviously disappointed to be losing a key member of our squad but we fully understand Gareth's desire to fulfil his lifetime ambition to play in the NRL and, when he leaves, he will do so with our best wishes.

"However, the contract with Wests is of course for next year and we will be looking to recruit a top-quality replacement for 2009."