Exclusive: Andy Ellis ‘the Frank Sinatra of Rugby League’ Refuses to Call It a Day

For evergreen rugby league ace Andy Ellis life does begin at 40.

Ellis has retired more times than Frank Sinatra but is still going strong at the start of his fifth decade, and he has just enjoyed one of the high spots of a career that began with his senior debut as an 18-year-old for Hull KR back in 2003.

Since then the Derby born, Hull raised teacher has played for Barrow, Harlequins RL, Wakefield, Featherstone, York and most recently with professional rugby league’s newest side, Goole Vikings.

It was with Goole a week ago he helped bring down former finalists London Broncos in the Betfred Challenge Cup.

Last season, Broncos, albeit with a stronger squad, were in Super League while the Vikings-then amateurs - were members of the Yorkshire Men’s League.

So, Goole’s 17-10 win in their first competitive game was equal to a non-league side bringing down a Premier League giant in the FA Cup.

“I have played a lot of games in my career (more than 350) but it wasn’t until afterwards I realised what a big deal it was, for not only for us as a team but Goole itself,” Ellis told SportsBoom.com. 

“Yes, they weren’t the London from last year but they still had a good set of players and good coaches.”

Ellis, whose late father-in-law was Hull FC and Great Britain legend, Johnny Whiteley MBE, officially retired for the final time after a handful of comeback games for York City Knights in 2019. 

But he’d already previously hung up his boots several times, including in 2015 when at Featherstone to continue his education at university.

The former Championship Man of Steel and Northern Rail Cup winner wasn’t quite done with the game.

“I am a glutton for punishment and a people pleaser,” he laughed. “After 2019, everything shut down because of Covid."

“I then played a bit of amateur with my brother because the dream had always been to play together. We managed that a few times."

“Then I took a year out travelling round Europe and got back June last year. My brother asked if I wanted to play for Goole and I explained I didn’t have any rugby boots."

“So, he went out and bought me a pair! The team was well organised and it was a good bit of fun to hang around with him and play again.”

SPECIAL RESPECT

Goole, coached by three-time Challenge Cup winner, Scott Taylor, were already planning for bigger and better things. 

They applied, alongside Bedford Tigers and Anglian Vipers, and were accepted to become members of Betfred League One for 2025.

When asked if he fancied stepping up to be part of the new venture, Ellis, a veteran of more than 350 games, readily accepted.

“I said ‘if I my body can I will’ and went to the gym to get fit. Fortunately, I have only had one major injury in my career; at Harlequins when I tore my pec. Other than that, all I have only had a few niggles.”

Goole may be infants in professional terms but they bring a wealth of experience to the party through the likes of: Brett Ferres, Jamie Shaul, Thomas Minns and 43-year-old Misi Taulapapa!"

“If I can still go at Misi’s age it will be a miracle,” chuckled Ellis hoping Vikings can produce another giant killing when they face Wakefield in round three of the Challenge Cup on February 8.