JACK IS COOKING WITH GAZ
Hull FC star Brown says working with Ellis has taken his game to new level
HULL FC youngster Jack Brown sometimes forgets he is being coached by the legendary Gaz Ellis because he is so down to earth.
But the 21-year-old is under no illusion about how big an impact the former England forward has had on improving his game this term.
Brown has become a mainstay of Brett Hodgson’s side and assistant coach Ellis (above and right in his playing days) – renowned as one of the world’s greatest forwards – has had a valuable input.
“He’s been massive for me and I think he’s part of the reason I’ve played so many games this year,” said ever-present Brown, ahead of today’s Betfred Super League clash with Catalans Dragons.
“He’s always doing review with me, pointing out where I have to tidy up but also showing stuff I’m good at, filling me with confidence.
“I appreciate stuff like that. I love working under him.”
Ellis, 41, starred with Leeds and was a huge hit in Australia with Wests Tigers.
He then captained Hull to
Challenge Cup glory in 2016 and 2017 and – having come out of retirement – was propping the day Brown made his debut in Perpignan in 2019.
Does he have to pinch himself knowing he has a legend tutoring him in the arts of forward play?
“Sometimes you can be guilty of forgetting as he’s such a good bloke,” said Brown.
“It can be just like talking to anybody. But if you think about it, what he’s done in the game, he’s a legend.”
Brown is looking forward to returning to Catalans today given he scored a try with his first touch in a thrilling 31-30 win there three years ago.
He recalled:
“I remember being told the day before the game I’d be playing. I was shocked.
“I had to ring my mum and dad to tell them to book flights. I will always remember them rushing around. Luckily they managed to get across.
“It was a really special occasion. The game went in a flash but I scored with my first touch and it couldn’t have gone any better.”
Marc Sneyd struck a golden point drop-goal winner that day but Hull were on the wrong end of a similar scenario on Sunday. They lost 19-18 at Wakefield with Luke Gale missing two drop-goal efforts.
Brown admitted: “Everyone was disappointed.
“And we can’t follow up with back-to-back defeats. We need to be more solid in the middle and look at seeing out games as it could come down to one point again this week. “And Galey will nail it this time. I think a few of the lads have slipped a few sly digs in this week. He doesn’t mind a bit of banter.”