HULL FC captain Andy Lynch says the Gareth Ellis factor is already spurring his side on to new heights in training.
And Lynch expects that attitude to continue when the Super League season starts, with his new team-mate proving an inspiring figure on and off the pitch.
Ellis has completed his third week of training with Hull after arriving earlier than scheduled to begin life at the Black and Whites.
Having already struck up a close relationship with Lynch, the Hull captain has seen first hand the impact made by the England second row.
Ellis' standards in training need to be matched according to Lynch, himself one of Hull's best trainers, and he says his team-mates need to have the desire to try and better the former Wests Tigers man when they take to the field.
"It's great having Gaz around and he's made his presence felt already," Lynch told the Mail.
"People sit up and listen to him when he talks because of his experience and because of where he has been playing the last few years.
"You know if you are on the field and find yourself alongside Gaz, then you have to keep up with him because he's one of the fittest guys out there.
"You have to try and match his levels and even better him, and that drives you on."
Ellis' impact at training and off the field was highlighted by coach Peter Gentle as one of the reasons Hull pursued the signing of the ex-Leeds man so rigorously.
Wasting little time to catch up with the rest of the squad in terms of his fitness after joining later than most, the England star has already become a key figure in the team.
Hull's players are currently on a break for Christmas, with all due back on January 2 ahead of a week's warm-weather training in Tenerife.
Identifying it as a crucial part of their pre-season plans, Lynch says the players are already looking forward to getting away.
"It will be great to get out there and do some bonding with the new lads," added Lynch.
"We get a lot of work done out there in Tenerife and everyone is looking forward to it. It is really hard work, but it helps when you are working hard with the sun on your back and there will be time for the boys to come together.
"We've got a great facility at the training ground, we've got Bishop Burton and Hull University, but the trip to Tenerife is something we will all look forward to."
