GARETH Ellis has set his sights on helping improve Hull FC as a team after getting his long-awaited debut out of the way.
Ellis returned from the broken foot injury which ruled him out of the first half of the season to play the full 80 minutes of FC's 42-18 victory over London.
Admitting he did little in the game but prove his fitness, the Hull captain says he intends to offer more going forward.
Setting his sights on raising the bar for himself and his team, Ellis is eager to build on his first game of the year.
"Personally, I need to raise the bar myself now and build so I can add to the team, not just be out there to prove my fitness," said Ellis.
"I am giving 100 per cent, that's what I always do. I'll work hard, try and improve and do the little things to be an asset to this team.
"I'm happy to get through the 80 minutes, now I need to build on that and add a bit more to the team.
"I didn't do a lot in the 80 minutes against London, but I did a lot of running around and to have to concentrate for 80 minutes, it's put me in good stead for this and future weeks."
The 32-year-old celebrated his birthday in style at the KC Stadium by making a return to Super League.
Following three months on the sidelines, the England international is finally looking forward to being a rugby league player again.
"I'm ready to get back to a bit of normality and playing rugby again," explained Ellis.
"I've not played that much rugby in the last 18 months, so it's been a disappointing time. It's great to be back and I'm looking forward to doing my bit now for us as a team, doing what I was brought in to do to try to help us achieve something."
The sight of Ellis and Daniel Holdsworth on the field against London was a pleasing one for coach Peter Gentle and fans alike.
Hull will now hope their marquee man can help take the team forward after a positive month of results and a climb up the Super League ladder.
League matters will be left aside for two weeks, however, with Ellis set to make his first appearance in the Challenge Cup for four years.
Hull entertain former coach Richard Agar's Wakefield Wildcats side in the fifth round of the competition, a game that sees Ellis up against one of his former clubs.
"It has been a while since I have played in the Challenge Cup and I am really looking forward to it, against my old club Wakefield as well," added Ellis.
"Wakefield are a good team with good players, there are no second chances and we need to bring our A game."
