Jamie Ellis signed for Oldham over the summer as part of the Roughyeds’ new era to push for promotion under Managing director Mike Ford, who since taking over has invested lots of time and money into the club with Super League being the ultimate ambition.
There’s plenty to be optimistic about with the revolution that’s happening at Oldham, not least with Sean Long appointed as new head Coach. It would seem that Oldham is set to take League One and the Rugby League world by storm.
One of the key players that has signed on with the club in the ambition to reach Championship, and then potentially Super League, is Jamie Ellis with the playmaker speaking exclusively to Serious About Rugby League about his thoughts on the new structure in an IMG rugby league world.
He told SARL: “I think they need to add another two teams in the Super League, so having 14 teams in the league and no relegations.
Explaining that logic, he continued: “I just think it’s bad for players when you have a contract that lasts another two years, and you get relegated the following season. I know a couple of players with this situation at Wakefield.
“I just think they need to redo it and put more teams in the Super League and throw more money into the Championship to make that league stronger,” Ellis concluded.
The appointment of Sean Long was a huge one for the League One club, Long having had a long and successful career in Rugby League. Likewise, Ellis started at St Helens and played for other big clubs in Super League, such as Castleford Tigers, Hull KR and Huddersfield Giants.
When speaking with SARL, Ellis talks about what has been the highlight of his career so far, explaining: “I’ve had a few good years at different clubs; I enjoyed my time at Leigh in 2011; we had a good year as a club and for myself, 2014 at Castleford we got to the challenge cup final and played at Wembley”
“And getting promoted with Hull KR in 2017 was a special year as well; I’ve got a lot of respect for the clubs, and I still look out for the fixtures and watch the games.”
Whilst there’s been plenty of highs, Ellis has had a lot of highlights in his career, one specific low point that he recalled was his spell at York during which he battled injuries.
“York was difficult. I was living in Bury then, so I travelled an hour and a half to get to training, and with the injuries, I couldn’t get going and struggled to show York what I can do.
He concluded: “It was a disappointing time, but that’s rugby. You get injuries, so I want a good preseason this year and stay injury-free.”
Ellis will be reunited with Sean Long at Oldham but this time in a player and coach dynamic, previously they were together at St Helens when Ellis was coming through the ranks.
On the prospect of playing under Long, Ellis stated: “He was at St Helens when I was coming through as a young lad, and he was like an idol, growing up watching Long probably one of the best English half-backs to ever play in the Super League.
“Just learning from him at St Helens and making my debut under him and as a half-back myself, it’s very good for me, and I’m looking forward to it”.
Oldham has assembled an excellent squad for next season. Ellis expressed his thoughts on the team and whether the squad has the potential to reach the Super League.
Ellis finished the interview stating: “I believe we got a squad that is strong enough to challenge in the Championship. Obviously, we are confident in doing well in League One, but we still have to work hard and put the performances in.”
